6 Tips On How To Enjoy Food

If you eat but don’t really enjoy food, then you’re missing out! I know people who say they love food, but don’t want to take time out to eat and enjoy what they’re eating. They think it’s a waste of time, so instead they read, check emails, watch TV, drive somewhere, etc. while they’re eating.

In my mind, the two just don’t go together. If you’d like to explore another way to do it, here are some tips on how to enjoy food.

First, sit at a place designated for eating, like the kitchen or dining room table. Clear it of mail, papers, and anything else not related to eating. Make the space asthetically pleasing.
Second, take a moment to be quiet and put aside your to-do list and concerns of the day. Take a few slow breaths and say grace if you’re so inclined. This will give your digestive system time to gear up, and your mind time to slow down.
Then take a moment to appreciate all the people who got the food to you — the farmers, fishermen, truck drivers, factory workers, store clerks, and more. If eating with others, also appreciate the people you’re sharing the meal with.
If eating alone, enjoy the time you have amidst a busy day to just be with yourself.
When eating, take time to enjoy the textures, tastes, colors, smells, and shapes of the food. Notice what is especially pleasing, and what you are eating that you don’t especially like. You might notice that you like a certain food for other reasons than the taste. For example, people enjoy ice cream because of the smooth, creamy texture and the coolness. You might also notice that a colorful plate helps you feel nourished before you even eat.
Then, take a moment to sit before you get up. Let the food settle. Notice how you feel physically, mentally, emotionally, and energetically. If you ate the right food for your system in the right amounts, you will feel calm but energetic, satisfied and settled. You will digest well.

If you are in the habit of inhaling food without even realizing what you ate, consider starting with just one tip from the above list, and notice the changes that take place from paying attention and enjoying. You will probably be motivated to try another tip and then another, and pretty soon mealtime will become a pleasant, dedicated activity to nuture body and soul.

Take a short survey to really understand your eating habits.