MM.. FOOD
Eating is both a pleasure and a necessity.
An enjoyable obligation.
Sensory-stimulating sustenance for our bodies.
It’s one of the few things (maybe the only) that is both necessary for survival and a great pleasure. But do we even appreciate the act of eating? Do we even appreciate food itself? I often ask myself these questions, and the mere awareness has sparked a newfound appreciation for food. Eating has now become exponentially more enjoyable.
The irony regarding the western world today is that we have become both spoiled and ungrateful when it comes to food. There’s fast food on every corner, rest stops every few miles on the highways, and vending machines in every lobby. Food is so readily available that it has become a crutch. When was the last time you went 16 hours without food? When was the last time you experienced true hunger?
And because food surrounds us 24/7, we appreciate it less and less.
Ever see someone walking and eating at the same time? Ever see someone snacking mindlessly at work, focused on their computer screen? Ever eat popcorn at the movies, only to look down and realize you finished the bag without knowing? Mindless eating is a massive disservice to yourself and the world around you, especially when it comes to health and gratitude.
Food is meant to be appreciated. That’s why people say “grace” before dinner. That’s why ancient people honored the animals that gave their lives to provide food for them. That’s why “breaking bread” is a universal expression. That’s why every holiday is celebrated with a big dinner shared with family and friends. It’s gratitude for attaining sustenance for the body. It’s slowing down to appreciate the meal. It’s savoring the moment.
With eating (like with everything else potentially life-improving) awareness is key. Be conscious of what you’re doing, and you will make it more enjoyable.
How to eat mindfully and actually enjoy your food:
Don’t eat with distractions. No phone, no computer, no TV. When you eat, just eat. Eating is the activity when you’re eating. Be fully conscious and aware of what you’re putting in your mouth. It should be just you and the table (and maybe some other people). This is by far the most important thing to do. If you do nothing else, make sure you eat without distractions.
Focus your senses. Notice how the food looks, how it smells, the texture, the taste (obviously). Savor it.
Slow down and chew. You’re not an alligator (chomp-chomp-gulp). Take your time and chew your food. You’ll appreciate it more and digest it better.
Put your fork down between bites. Take a moment to savor what you’re chewing instead of constantly thinking about the next bite, or whatever other random thoughts pop into your head.
Don’t talk when you chew. That old “don’t open your mouth while you’re chewing” rule. It’s true. You won’t fully appreciate the food, plus you’ll probably sound like an idiot.
Try intermittent fasting. Any type of intermittent fasting will change your relationship with food. It breaks that crutch of having to eat every couple hours. It makes you realize you won’t die if you’re a little hungry. And you don’t have to go crazy and fast for days at a time. Most intermittent fasting plans consist of 16-36 hours of fasting at a time. Use the Google device if you’re interested. There’s tons of info out there. I’m going to do a post on my experience with intermittent fasting soon too.
Lick your plate clean. Just do it. It feels awesome. Like being a kid again. Plus it’s the telltale sign of appreciating a meal.
Appreciate the food in front of you and be grateful for how easy we have it.
Applying just some of what I said above will take your eating experience from black and white to HD. It has for me. Food becomes an incredible experience each time. My senses heighten. And because I no longer use it as a crutch (mindless snacking, eating when bored…etc), I fully appreciate it when I do eat.
Turn eating into an experience. Savor the moment.
Bon appétit.
-Stevie P!
