16/10/2014
Hm, thinking of trying this blogging thing. Here is something I wrote for a great nutrition coach for her Food and Mood group at www.bitingfit.co.uk:
The connection between food and mood doesn't just exist on a chemical level. It's not just what we eat, but how we eat it, too. If we take the time to fully appreciate what ingredients we have bought, how we prepare them, and when we eat the end result, feeling good about ourselves is practically guaranteed.
This appreciation, where we are curious observers and use all our senses to experience the different steps of cooking and eating, and are focused on nothing else but the present moment, is called mindfulness. The key is not to analyse or judge but simply to experience:
What colours do you have on your plate/pot?
What texture does your food have?
What does it smell like?
What does it taste like?
What do you hear?
Take some time to admire what you've cooked even if it was "just" something quick and cobbled together.
Enjoy the thought that you are doing something good for yourself.
If you feel guilty about spending more time and money on eating well than you used to, agree that you deserve it, if only to become a more resourceful and happy parent, partner, colleague etc.
If you put your knife and fork down every so often to do this, not only will you feel better for focusing on something entirely positive, but you won't overeat either, as slowing down will give your brain time to realise when your stomach is full.
Focusing exercises are also great for controlling bad moods where you run the risk of reaching for comfort foods. I can write a bit about that too, if anyone wants to know.
