Letting go is an important and empowering goal when it comes to mindful eating. It involves releasing the mental and emotional baggage that weighs us down and prevents us from fully enjoying and appreciating our food. By surrendering old judgments, beliefs, and limitations, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities—a world in which food is no longer a source of guilt or restriction but a gateway to self-care and nourishment.

Letting go is a concept linked to mindfulness. Essentially, suffering or emotional obstacles come from attaching to an idea or belief that no longer works for you. It's clinging to positive feeling, pushing away negative ones, and getting set on the idea that things have to be a certain way. Studies have shown that letting go is freeing and contributes to psychological well-being and creativity.

For more mindful eating, here are 7 thinsg to let go of

1. Old diet culture rules. Release yourself from restrictive dieting and the mindset that certain foods are off-limits or "bad." Embrace a more flexible and balanced approach to eating.

2. The "good" vs. "bad" foods mentality. Instead of labeling foods as inherently good or bad, focus on nourishing your body with a variety of foods that make you feel good physically and mentally.

3. Thoughts that tell you "I can't." Challenge limiting beliefs that make you feel powerless or deprived. Shift your mindset to one of empowerment and self-compassion, recognizing that you have the ability to make choices that support your well-being.

4. Judgment and guilt. Stop beating yourself up over food choices or perceived mistakes. Practice self-compassion and understand that eating mindfully involves embracing imperfection and learning from your experiences.

5. The need for perfection. Recognize that eating mindfully is a journey, and it's okay to have ups and downs. Embrace progress over perfection and focus on making sustainable changes rather than striving for an unattainable ideal.

6. Comparison. Avoid comparing your eating habits to others'. Every person's body and nutritional needs are unique. Instead, focus on your own well-being and listen to your body's cues and preferences.

7. Mindless eating habits. Cultivate awareness around your eating habits and be present in the moment while you eat. Release distractions and engage your senses to fully enjoy and appreciate your food.

To eat mindfully, step one is to change your mindset. Let go of old ways of thinking about food. This will help you to move forward.