Principal #6: Discover the satisfaction factor
We eat what we feel we should, or what we our told to eat, in order to maintain or achieve a certain weight. We eat out of necessity and the basic routine of it. But when we look at food this way we miss out on the pure pleasure and satisfaction that comes with the eating experience.
Meals should consist of foods that nourish both your body and mind. The enjoyment achieved when eating a meal that you like, and being able to truly appreciate each bite is the satisfaction that should be a part of every meal.
When you learn to eat like this you will find that it takes less food to achieve satisfaction. Once you learn how to find joy in certain foods, and make eating a pleasant experience the chances are you will walk away completely satisfied, not looking for something more to quench your cravings, or just being simply full.
When you are dieting or watching your weight, food may be seen as the enemy, in which you develop a internal fight over each item that you consume. You loose the joy of eating and may actually despise meals. Eating becomes a chore and you struggle over what you should eat instead of what you want to eat. To avoid this fight without compromising your diet goals, learn how to make your meals an experience that satisfies you. Indulge periodically in your favorite foods, and savor each and every bite, without any of the guilt. Learn how to create healthy meals that match your favorite not so heathy meal. Eating a grilled chicken breast on top of a bed of spinach every day may help you loose weight, but will not leave you fulfilled. Switch up your meals to make each meal an unique taste and experience. Transform your meals into something that you look forward to, instead of something of a necessity.
My sister was the perfect example of someone who knew how to find the satisfaction in food. Growing up eating dinner with my family, we always knew when she was enjoying her meal. While she would eat she would make a humming sound, such as "mmmmmm," and she would bounce a little in her chair. Even though it drove me crazy when she would do this, she managed to find enjoyment in her food and wasn't afraid to share that with the rest of us.
Follow my sister's example and discover the satisfaction factor in food!
Pura Vida!
Alica Ryan, NTP
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