In addition to eating biology based, alive foods…it’s location, location, location.
Somehow meals in American have become a second thought instead of a celebration and self-nurturing part of our day. One habit I changed after my first trip to France was where I allow myself to eat. No more meals in the car, at the counter, at my desk or in front of the computer. I came across the realization how I was missing the taste bud party of my meals after reading the book French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mirielle Guiliano. Dr. Clower states some of the same ideas in his book. Here is a completion to remind myself to how to bring more pleasure to my food and in the process reduce my appetite. I’ve also added a few of my own tips.
Somehow meals in American have become a second thought instead of a celebration and self-nurturing part of our day. One habit I changed after my first trip to France was where I allow myself to eat. No more meals in the car, at the counter, at my desk or in front of the computer. I came across the realization how I was missing the taste bud party of my meals after reading the book French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mirielle Guiliano. Dr. Clower states some of the same ideas in his book. Here is a completion to remind myself to how to bring more pleasure to my food and in the process reduce my appetite. I’ve also added a few of my own tips.
- Plan on going back for seconds when you place the food on your plate or order your meal. It will be there when you return or you can try something else just as good.
- Plan on dessert or something as a treat to end the meal. Other choices could be cheese, nuts (unsalted and not candied), or a special flavored tea or coffee. Keep it real and
- Set a place of honor for your food. Use a placemat, a nice smaller plate, and utensils.
- Don’t drink more that 6 ounces of water with your meal. You may add another 6 ounces of a drink you like to your meal (choose from tea, coffee, wine, juice, or a regular not-diet soda). Only sip both beverages, no straws and no gulping
- Slow down.
- Say a prayer or meditate in thanks.
- Take a few deep breaths.
- Focus on the food. A game I played with my children was to come up with a new adjective to describe each bite we tasted.
- Create an eating rhythm by taking a bite size of food and putting the fork or food (if your eating by hand) back down on the plate, completely finish what is in your mouth before taking another bite
- Engage in conversation or read a light piece (something for pure enjoyment and not work related)
