Enjoy Your Food: Why is Eating for Pleasure so Important?
Almost every person has tried some kind of diet at least once in their life. The goal was usually to lose weight, regardless of the process, and eat as little as possible. It's redundant to say that it is an unhealthy mechanism, and besides that, we don't get to enjoy the food as much. So, if your next decision is to eat for pleasure, here is how to do it and why it’s important.
Finding balance
Sticking to a healthy diet is important. That way, we take in different nutrients, and we keep our mind and body happy and healthy. However, a lot of people don't allow themselves those small pleasures that come from food. And the fact is that it is equally important. You will never be able to feel pleasure eating the food you like if you feel guilty for eating it. The best principle to use here is 80/20 percent. This means keeping your diet clean 80 percent of the time and indulging the remaining 20 percent. So, don't be afraid to eat that last piece of chocolate, or have a pizza night with your friends.
When you allow yourself the flexibility to savor your favorite treats now and then, you're less likely to feel deprived and more likely to stick to your healthy eating habits long-term. This balanced approach can also help you stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset about your dietary choices.
Finding your specific taste
We all have that one food that we love to eat – meat, sweets, pasta… To be able to enjoy the food you like, you have to learn its taste, try different variations of it, and take your sweet time while eating it. You have to be able to fully experience the taste and all the ingredients. As weird as it sounds, take time chewing your food. Also, try not to eat with too many distractions since it will make you eat more, and you won’t be aware of the entire spectrum of flavors.
Here are some tips on how to avoid distractions:
Turn off your TV while you are having a meal to create a calm and mindful dining environment.
Say no to aimlessly scrolling on your phone by placing it out of reach to fully engage with your meal.
Focus on the present moment by taking a moment to appreciate the appearance, aroma, and texture of your food before taking the first bite.
Consider setting a designated dining area where you can enjoy your meals free from distractions, making each meal a mindful and pleasurable experience.
Learn what tastes go well together
Eating food should not be just a matter of fueling your body. If you have the chance, explore different tastes, and learn how to combine them for a tasty explosion in your mouth. In the morning, you can try a gourmet French pastry with a strong cup of coffee to wake you up. What better way to start your day with the contrast of something sweet and bitter?
During the day, choose whatever meat you like, but don't forget to add some vegetables and a nice sauce of your preference to complete the meal. A nice, refreshing beer or a glass of red wine would go amazing after a hard workday.
To finish off the day, opt for a salad, pasta, or something lighter of your choice. Pair it with white wine, and finish off your day with class. If you have a sweet tooth, a piece of cheesecake or a chocolate dessert with some fresh fruit is a great ending that you should allow yourself from time to time.
How different foods affect your mood
We are all aware that there is a correlation between specific foods we eat and our mood throughout the day. This is why eating for pleasure is important. Dark chocolate, fish, nuts, and different fruit and raw food will make you feel energized, boost your mood and without any guilt since these are all healthy. Besides this, it is important to know what food to eat according to your mood. When you are stressed, your body seeks sugar naturally. And you have to learn the right way to give it just that. Lighter food makes you feel positive and happy. It gives you strength throughout the day for all the daily tasks, especially if you have a busy schedule. Drinking lots of water will lower your cravings and will hydrate your body.
Each of these tips sounds like too much work for a simple daily task we all just finish on the go. However, the choice of food you eat, how you eat it, and when and how you pair it has a lot of influence on your health, mood, and positivity. Eating for pleasure allows you to combine both the foods you like and use it as fuel for your body and mind.