Can we get more pleasure out of the food we eat and learn to recognize natural hunger and satiety cues?
We must learn how to love food through mindful eating. But, what does that mean? How do we get more pleasure out of food and learn to recognize hunger and satiety?
Mindful eating includes being present in the moment, aware of all elements of the eating process. Many believe this type of attention promotes health, wellness, and a positive relationship with food. The process of eating begins with mindful preparation. Plan to make a healthy and delicious meal at least once per week. There’s no need for a five course meal or complicated recipe. Simple is best. Take pleasure in the preparation. Pour a cup of tea or glass of wine and ask Alexa to play your favorite music.
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Tune in to the cool temperature of the water as you rinse your fruits and vegetables. Listen to the sound of the knife on the wooden board as you chop. Notice the vibrant colors of the fruits, vegetables, and sauces.
Smell the herbs and spices before adding them. Observe the fine mist of citrus as you squeeze a lemon.
Feel the stickiness of the chopped garlic and smell the rosemary oil on your hands. Listen to the sounds of boiling water and the sizzle in the pan.
Imagine that you have prepared a small, but perfectly cooked dish of ravioli with browned butter, pesto, and sage.
Savor
Plate your meal and cut a bite-sized piece of pasta into your mouth. Now, put your fork down. Taste the bite. I mean, really taste it. Is the texture smooth, the sage crispy? Do you appreciate the savory umami from the browned butter? Is there a sweetness to the pasta? Contemplate the warmth, spice, saltiness, and tenderness. Take time to enjoy each and every morsel and consider how you feel as you are eating. Are you satisfied?
Take Time
I refuse to eat plain chicken breast and steamed broccoli every day because it provides a lean and thoughtless meal. Along the same lines, scarfing down a plate of food will leave you dissatisfied. Food should be enjoyed! How often have you taken a second or third helping and afterward regretted your decision? How many bites of food were gratifying?
Focus on Using All of Your Senses
Our bodies were created to eat with all of our senses. For instance, does your mouth water when you smell a skillet of piping hot fajitas being delivered to someone’s table?
What about the smell of freshly baked bread? When you see a display of cakes at the market, do you find delight in the beautiful decorations and wonder which you would pick?
Do you enjoy the texture and bite of a piece of perfectly roasted butternut squash? When you bite into a pastry, do you notice how the delicate flakes crumble?
Practice
Experts believe mindful eating creates a barrier to overeating. As you practice, you may discover that your cravings aren’t always from wanting the actual food. More importantly, you may learn to separate satisfaction from satiety. Isabel Duke, the creator of StopFightingFood.com says, “If you can’t enjoy your food, it will never lose its grip on you”.
Get more pleasure out of food and learn to recognize hunger and satiety by asking yourself, “why, what, when, and where am I eating”? Does your meal or snack create an experience?
Check out this link for books written by Registered Dietitians you may enjoy: Books by Dietitians
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Wise words!
This is very true, and not eating in front of the TV is the number one way to be mindful for my husband and me!!
Yes, that is a hard one for most of us!
Thank you!