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This series of Reflections sounds like an outline from Journalism 101: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? The questions in Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat are mostly the same as in news writing, though the "Who?" remains constant. It's about me, and my relationship with food.
In Reflections, I share personal experiences and the lessons and insights they have taught me. I hope that, in the sharing, your own path of inquiry and discovery is enriched.
For me, the journey of balanced, diverse, and moderate eating is lifelong and ongoing. No recurring wellness challenge has consumed more of my energy and effort. The same is true for many of you. I hope this brief series of topics from Dr. Michelle May's book enlivens the quest for you, as it has for me.
This week, we are asking HOW we eat. The drill is familiar. It is described as part of many diets we have tried. Eat more slowly. Eat at the table. Eat without multitasking. Use plates and silverware. Flowers and candles. How often have I done all that? Not very often. However, over the years I have experimented with small steps, and have found it possible, incrementally, to:
- Eat popcorn one piece at a time, vs. tossing a handful into my mouth.
- Eat at the table. Yes, I have finally made the shift. I no longer eat in the living room, in the den, at my desk, or in the bathtub. Don't ask about the car.
- Use a plate, bowl, or cup. I rarely eat or drink right out of the package, out of the frig, out of the cupboard any more.
- Eat without reading. This has been the hardest of all, and my new habit is only weeks old. It is not 100%. However, I am finding the experience of tasting my food a welcome change, and I the habit might actually take hold.
We often say that we overeat because we love food. That may not be accurate. In my case, I often overeat because I love the feeling of eating. I like the feeling of a mouth full of food. I like the feeling of a large swallow of beverage. I like the feeling of freedom that is not cautious but indulgent.
Eating while reading is a good example of loving the act of eating more than the experience of food. I am only marginally aware of taste and texture when my mind is on something else. However, I can satisfy the urge to shovel it in, chomp, and swallow--and enjoy today's comics at the same time.
In the quest for a less restrictive, more joyful, yet truly healthy relationship with eating I am taking the question of "HOW?" to heart. I want to love my food, both for the pleasure it offers and the nutrition it provides. I can love it only if I get to know it. I can get to know it only with sufficient time and focus.
How do you eat? Do you love food or do you love something else about the eating experience? Is there anything about your "HOW?" that you want to change, just for the coming week, to see how it feels? |
