By Stacy Goldberg, MPH, RN, BSN. Stacy is the CEO and founder of Savorfull, which helps companies, organizations and consumers discover and purchase healthy “free-from” snacks. She is also a member of EO Detroit.

The link between what you eat and how your body performs is clearly established. Even your brain function improves with the right vitamins and minerals. In fact, approximately 20 percent of the calories you consume are used by your brain.

Now, experts are connecting how you eat with improved wellness. Apply mindful techniques to your eating habits and you’ll realize a host of health benefits—from easier digestion and less stress to weight management and a greater sense of control. The Center for Mindful Eating asserts that mindful eating, “helps us become aware of thoughts, feelings and physical sensations related to eating, reconnecting us with our innate inner wisdom about hunger and satiety.”

Mindfulness, defined

Essentially, mindfulness is characterized by uninterrupted focus on any activity and is often used as a therapeutic technique. Whether you’re in your office, sitting at the dinner table, exercising in the gym or washing dishes, mindfulness plays a key role in self-awareness and improves healthy emotions and decision making.