In today’s hectic and super busy world, it is too easy to fall victim to the “quick” bite mentality. There are so many things that require our focus that our food tends to be relegated to the back burner and is given far less consideration than it deserves. Having said that, food, in many ways, is the epicenter of how we live and there are many ways to make it more of an enjoyable experience.
There are many benefits to increasing the amount of time it takes to eat a meal. Signals of satiety require at least 20 minutes to reach the brain. This means that when we “swallow lunch whole” or “grab a quick bite,” we’re more likely to overeat. Conversely, taking 20 minutes or more to eat gives the digestive system plenty of time to get messages of fullness to the brain. This reduces the likelihood that we will overeat because we have the chance to realize that we are no longer hungry. Also, this relates to the chewing function. The act of chewing queues up the brain and stomach and is a factor in feelings of satiation. The longer and more we chew, the more full we feel. Thoroughly chewed food is more easily digested as well. If we take longer to eat and chew more, our digestive tract will begin its work while we’re still in the act of consuming. This helps to prevent indigestion. These are just a couple of reasons to practice the fine art of eating.
The social and emotional aspects that can be attached to eating are also very powerful and not to be overlooked. Opportunities to spend time with friends and loved ones are an important part of life. When someone takes their time to be with us, we want to honor that investment. We do that by focusing on those visitors. Producing the kind of meal that everyone wants to linger over as we sit and talk. What better way is there to tell someone that you love and appreciate them than by providing food that is beautiful, comforting, and nourishing? I, personally, can’t think of one that is more welcoming than a well prepared meal to feed the body and emotional heart. As we can see, there is an art to the slow consumption and enjoyment of food. Here are seven ideas to help get started on perfecting the fine art of eating:
- Slow down – lay your utensils down between each bite of food. Chew slowly and savor the food. Take a drink between each bite
- Drink 8 ounces of water prior to your meal. This will help prevent overeating.
- Eat with friends whenever possible. As many times as you can, share your time and meal with your friends. Take the opportunity to visit with those that mean the most to you on a regular basis.
- Cook at home. Prepare as much of the food that you eat at home as possible. This allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes.
- When serving your food, remember that you eat with your eyes first. Include a rainbow of colors. Arrange them in easy and bright patterns. Experiment and have fun with your presentations. You will get to a point that you are excited to impress your friends with your skills!
- Build an arsenal of go-to full course meals. Write them down. Appetizer, salad/soup, entrée, dessert. Use a mix of easy/pre-prepared and homemade/fresh items. Work on your proficiency with these to the point that you are comfortable with them and can pull them together easily.
- Sit at the table. Don’t take your meal in front of the television or computer. Pay attention to the beauty of the food presented to you. Focus on the smells and tastes as well as the company.
- Bonus Suggestion: Take a world tour. Plan meals around different locales in the world. Have an international week right there at home. Travel to Russia, Italy, France, Greece, China, Egypt, and anywhere else!
How About You?
What are some things that you do to slow down and enjoy the act of eating? How do you turn your dining room into an experience for your family and friends?
