At any given moment, I’m looking forward to my nextmeal.

The thing is, although I love treats, I’m really starting to care about livinga healthy life.

I know eating well is a major factor in that.

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But I also absolutely cannot live without indulging, which is why I findmindful eatingso intriguing.

Read on to see what I learned.

The rule: First off, slow down!

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I decided to chew every bite 20 times.

It seemed like a nice round number and is way more than my usual six to ten chews.

In general, this worked by giving my body and mind more time to realize I was satisfied.

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On the days I’d eaten healthy, regular meals throughout, this tip was golden.

The true test came when I unwrapped a Snickers Ice Cream bar.

It was impressive enough that I’m bummed I can’t put it on myresume.

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The rule: Focus on your foodwhich means no multitasking.

I don’t feel ready for a meal unless I’ve got a good show queued up.

I know, I’m totally charming.

The rule: Put a reasonable portion on your plate, then back away from the serving bowl.

But this guideline is great because it makes you check in with yourself before you get seconds.

Of course you could get more!

But making sure youre actually hungry before you do is always useful.

The rule: Using smaller serving utensils and smaller plates will help make portion control easier.

Since I was already following the above portion rule, this one felt a little redundant.

Maybe this one had a subtle effect, but nothing noticeable.

The rule: When serving yourself, plate backwards.

As in, vegetables first, then lean protein, then carbs.

This one is worth keeping around for sure.

The rule: If youre dining out with friends, order first.

I’m not the only one who confers with friends before placing an order, right?

The salmon salad looks really good to me."

The rule: Put down your fork between bites.

Even when chewing really slowly, it was a little hard to get into this habit.

I kept forgetting to put my fork down until I was almost done chewing.

The rule: And while youre at it, take a sip of water.

Yes, yes, yes.

The rule: Dont snack straight from the package.

This is a great antidote to that.

Awesomely, sticking to this rule would probably also help yousave moneyover time because your snacks will last longer.

The rule: Focus on what you have in front of you, not what youcanthave.

The rule: But dont ignore your cravings.

But being too restrictive about what I eat just isn’t sustainable.

During my weeklong experiment, I went to an event forPlymouth Gin.

The food was unbelievablearugula and Parmesan pizza, charcuterie and cheeses, jumbo lump crab cakes, mochi.

Not to mention the drinks, which were all Pinterest-worthy and ginned up.

The rule: Save the best bite for last.

Hands down the best way to end a meal.

One day I was so excited for lunch that I was practically wriggling in my seat.

How could I not feel 100 percent satisfied after that?

The bottom line: Mindful eating is definitely worth trying.

I’d consider that a win all around.

Photo Credit: Sorendis / Getty Images