What foundational behavioral tool is utilized when putting away distractions to focus solely on the food during the initial minutes of a meal?
Answer
Developing mindful eating
The practice of focusing entirely on the sensory experience of eating—noticing colors, smells, textures, and tastes—for the first portion of a meal, often by implementing a 'no-screen-snack' rule, is central to developing mindful eating habits. This presence and attention train the brain to recognize and respond appropriately to internal signals of hunger and fullness. By dedicating undivided attention to the food experience, one directly supports the crucial behavior of stopping consumption when comfortably full, moving away from eating driven by external factors or distraction.

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