On Mindless and Mindful Eating

Photo by CN Digital StudioBy Tanya Steel, Epicurious.com

Last night, I watched the Republican election results while writing a story. Oh, and eating my nightly bowl of Peanut Butter Cup ice cream (yes, I said nightly). Trouble is, I barely noticed when I found a small eddy of creamy peanut butter or some chocolate chips. I was too absorbed in the Santorum surprise and editing my article. Ultimately, I wasted calories and didn't really notice my daily indulgence.

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So, it was with great interest that I read today's piece in The New York Times on just this matter. "Mindful Eating As Food For Thought" details how Buddhist monasteries preach the notion of mindful living, and eating in a conscious and meditative state is part of this philosophy. While I could never master some of their practices, of chewing each mouthful 25 to 30 times, or taking an hour to consume one dish, there are four things I, and all of us, can do to make each mouthful count. The results are less overeating and more enjoyment and connection with the food we do eat.

Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants:
I have wholly adopted Michael Pollan's ethos of eating unprocessed food as much as possible. This is better for my body, the environment, and the farmers and artisan food producers I like to support. And, when you stop to notice the real food you are consuming, the sweetness of a tomato, the peppery flavor of kale, it's as if the flavors are on steroids.

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Don't Eat in Front of the Screen:
This is a regular occurrence for all of us, but as soon as you take the time to eat without staring at a screen--computer or TV--you will really savor and notice what you are eating.

Set The Scene:
Sit at your table, use your good tableware (and choose smaller plates so you're not filling a large plate with food), and, if you have no small children and the time, light some candles. Make eating a more sophisticated and ritualized affair that lasts as least 20 minutes.

Don't Talk With Your Mouthful:
Try not to talk while eating as it's not only unattractive, but forces you to gulp your food down rather than chewing and savoring each bite.

Do you have any methods to slow down and actually taste and enjoy your food?

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