{"id":23861,"date":"2015-04-27T10:20:25","date_gmt":"2015-04-27T14:20:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wanderlust.com\/?p=23861"},"modified":"2016-03-07T17:34:57","modified_gmt":"2016-03-07T22:34:57","slug":"feed-soul-mindful-meals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderlust.com\/ro\/journal\/feed-soul-mindful-meals\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Have a More Meaningful Meal"},"content":{"rendered":"

How often do you take the time notice the refreshing tang of a ripe blueberry, or the warmth of bread hot from the oven? Eating mindfully is perhaps one of the most difficult challenges we face when it comes to mealtime. Too often we find ourselves eating in front of the television, at our\u00a0desk, or even in the car. Not only does distracted eating deny us the pure experience of a meal, but studies have shown<\/a>\u00a0that it can also lead to accidental overeating and weight gain. Eating mindfully allows us to press pause and enjoy the present moment.<\/p>\n

By enjoying a mindful meal, we are able to notice the smells, colors, textures, and flavors of our food. Savoring each bite allows the mind to savor the experience. If you\u2019re new to mindful eating, the following simple suggestions\u00a0can help you get started.<\/p>\n

1. Eat at the Table<\/h3>\n

Yes, the couch is comfy. Yes, the car is convenient. But you have a kitchen table for a reason, and it\u2019s just dying to be used! Rather than camping out in front of the television, enjoy your meal at the kitchen table. It\u2019ll be glad to have you back.<\/p>\n

2. Silence Distractions<\/h3>\n

Too often we spend our mealtime plugged into electronics. Whether it\u2019s scrolling through Instagram or catching up on Will and Grace <\/i>reruns, consider eliminating such distractions, as they can disrupt your ability to focus on the food.<\/p>\n

3. Set the Mood<\/h3>\n

Break out the candles, the tablecloth, a vase full of fresh daisies, or anything else you need to make your mealtime feel like a special experience. Pretend you\u2019re cooking\u00a0dinner\u00a0for a group of friends or family, and treat yourself with that same level of love and respect.<\/p>\n

4. Use Real Ingredients<\/h3>\n

Healthy and whole ingredients can completely transform mealtime. Using real ingredients, like hormone-free meats and whole fruits and vegetables, allows you to experience the pure flavors of the food. Eating seasonally helps as well. As you eat, focus on the taste and texture of each bite. The more you do this, the better you\u2019ll get at recognizing the effect each season has on your food\u2019s flavor.<\/p>\n

5. Focus on the Process<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t get me wrong; I love the convenience of a frozen fresh meal or a pizza delivered to\u00a0my front door. That being said, preparing a meal from start to finish can be an incredibly sensory experience. Enjoy the sound of the knife on the cutting board, the smell of vegetables sizzling over the stove, or the sensation of kneading dough for homemade bread. When it comes time to eat, you can sit down and think, \u201cWoah, I\u00a0made<\/i> this!\u201d<\/p>\n

6. Dine with Company<\/h3>\n

When you eat with a friend or loved one, you\u2019re engaged in a social experience, and less likely to scarf down your food without noticing. Take the time to appreciate your company as well as what\u2019s on your plate. Discuss the tastes of your food. This can be especially fun in restaurants when you\u2019re not familiar with the ingredients that were used. Can you pick up the hint of rosemary in the grilled vegetables, or the burst of citrus in the chicken?<\/p>\n

7. Eat with Chopsticks<\/h3>\n

Even if you\u2019re used to eating with chopsticks, using them to eat a croissant is no easy feat. Chopsticks will naturally slow down your eating process, forcing you to notice each bite. Try this with all of your favorite foods, even if that means picking apart a brownie. You may learn some surprising things by approaching your meals from this new perspective.<\/p>\n

8. Have Dessert<\/h3>\n

Treating yourself is a wonderful way to be mindful and practice self love. But instead of eating those cookies straight from the jar, set them on a plate and alongside a glass of milk. Savor each bite, and appreciate the experience of your treat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Distracted eating denies us the pure experience of our food. Follow these simple suggestions to nourish yourself with every bite. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":788,"featured_media":23961,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,1055],"tags":[75,201,742],"class_list":["post-23861","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiration","category-nourish","tag-food","tag-meditation","tag-nutrition"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Have a More Meaningful Meal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Distracted eating denies us the pure experience of our food. 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