Day 8: Spend some time on your meals today
Posted by kathryn in A Balanced Diet
Today’s task in the 31 Days to a Better Diet is about being more aware of what you’re eating. If you’re following this group of posts, they’re marked by the picture on the left.
Do you gulp down your food? Intent on the next thing, rather than the food itself?
It’s easy to do this. Our lives are busy; days are packed. But if you’re not thinking about what you’re eating how can you possibly be satisfied with your food?
A busy day means rushed eating
For many people, no matter how much they enjoy food, eating is something they fit in, between other things. You get up as late as possible, which means you’re running late for work. So breakfast is gobbled down, before running out the door. A full workload means you squeeze lunch in at your desk, while checking emails. Then when you get home you’re so tired and hungry, you make a meal quickly and hoover it down in front of the TV.
However if you gulp down your food, it barely registers that you’ve eaten. You’re more likely to over-eat and you’re less likely to be satisfied by the meal.
If this is sounding like your life, then today’s challenge in 31 Days to a Better Diet is for you.
Today’s task
Today I want you to spend a bit of time on your meals. No eating on the run, no gobbling food down.
Instead put your meal on a plate and get away from your computer or the TV. Sit down, use a knife and fork, chew your food. Take some time.
Eating at a leisurely pace enables you to be aware of your food. It not only makes the meal more enjoyable, but can also make the food more satisfying.
Are you going to take more time over your meals today?
Surprised woman photograph by Vika Valter and empty plate photograph by noodlepie.
08 August, 2008
Comments
So true! A few months ago I read an article about slowing down when eating and I’ve been doing it ever since. I eat each mouthful, chew and swallow, before ‘preparing’ the next mouthful. I put my fork and spoon down while chewing.
You’re right Kathryn, it’s amazing how much less you can eat and how full you can feel by taking your time at meal times. It’s really beneficial.
We are going out to dinner tonight so that will be some time out. I’ve instigated that we should have at least 2 of our meals at the table instead of at the coffee table in front of the TV.
I’ve also tried to have lunch not at my desk during the week.
But the worse is when I study at uni, I am addicted to cheese and crackers. I have to eat them and I know its a mindless crutch but I can’t help it!
Christie: the putting your knife and fork down between mouthfuls is such a simple but powerful strategy. Immediately slows down what you’re doing and allows your body to catch-up.
Sue: we’ve got out of the habit of eating at the table. Must re-instigate that. At least a few times a week. It’s also a great opportunity to talk, re-connect and debrief on the day.
When studying could you make yourself a plate up – with some cheese and crackers but also add other things? A couple of crackers with some cheese, but also some celery & carrot sticks, a cut-up apple, some nuts. So you’re still having the food you want, but bulking it up with more diversity and nutritional complexity.
Good ideas. Problem is when I study at uni, the caf there sells these light cheese and cracker snack packs and despite the fact that I have a piece of fruit in my bag – i choose that.
I just need to pack myself a snack lunch box…sometimes its just too much organisation!
Sue: Organising a better / more interesting snack for yourself is a good approach. If you have something interesting and yummy in your bag, you’re less likely to buy the cheese and crackers.
Or try a slightly different mindset. Don’t deny yourself the crackers. Instead make a decision to eat the apple first. If you then want the cheese and crackers go for it, but you may end up eating less because you’ll be slightly fuller from the apple.
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