I can recall a time in my life where food to me was just something I shoved in my face.
I have scarfed down my share of packets of Mr. Noodles in my day (raw and cooked) and lived off Sidekicks covered in hot sauce from the dollar store because at the time getting a six-pack of PBR was more important. Not to mention 7-11 fried chicken and nachos with that delicious fake liquid cheese that is like a molecule away from being plastic.
These were staples in my diet about 12 years ago. If I were to eat any of those items these days, I would be camped out in the bathroom for about a week.
Now if this is in your diet on the regular there is no shame, because shame and guilt and any other negative emotion should never be associated when it comes to food. But hopefully you are willing to make some changes. This is how we start getting into the habit of unhealthy relationships towards food, and our bodies.
February is National Eating Disorder Month, a topic which is very important and very disheartening. The unrealistic expectations of the ideal body and the various weight loss ads that are constantly being shoved down our throats are messing us up. It has, in fact, created an entire generation of little humans who no longer run because they are playing tag or hide and seek, but instead to work off that sandwich they just ate for lunch. I have actually heard a 13-year-old girl body-shaming herself because she ate three slices of pizza the night before.
There is something seriously wrong with that picture.
Being present and mindful when we eat can give us a different outlook and sense of connection when it comes to our relationship with food and our bodies.
Mindful eating means paying attention to the whole experience: the smell, the texture, the taste and the flavor. What are you feeling before, during and after you eat? Do you feel hungry? Are you too full? Or just satisfied? Going through this thought process will change the way you interact with food.
Try eating an apple with your eyes closed and free from distractions. Then try eating it while multitasking. It will actually taste different and you will notice how much more you enjoy it when you are fully in the moment and the apple is the experience.
So how can this help when it comes to our brainwashed body dysmorphia?
Well, we start noticing how eating affects our mood and can cause us to feel anxious. Gradually, over time, we get back the sense of freedom that we had back in childhood, which is actually our natural state.
Like most wonderful things in life, this ease does not come overnight, and in some serious cases you I urge you to get support during your process from a professional who can help you become a mindful eating ninja!
Now, mindful eating is not a diet, nor is it about giving up the things that you love. It’s about experiencing food more intensely, especially the pleasure of it. Here are some tools that can help you be more mindful and stay engaged with your food.
Sit down while you eat
Don’t multitask during your meal, sit down and enjoy your food. And I don’t mean sitting in front of the TV, chewing in anticipation to see what happens to Ross and Rachel on Friends (THEY WERE ON A BREAK!). I mean really sitting down at a table, taking a deep breath, and getting some intimate time with your food.
Make your meal feel special
Get out the good china on a Tuesday night, make a gourmet meal (even if it’s just for yourself) sit at your table and make your mealtime feel special and fun.
Put your fork down in between bites
This helps you slow down and eat mindfully. It also lets you savor your bites a bit longer.
Mindfully cook
Try to enjoy the process, be present and don’t rush through it. Cooking can be a very big part of the mindful eating process, and of course and it is where you can make a connection with your food before it goes on the plate into your mouth.
RECIPE: Raw zucchini pasta with cilantro pesto
Ingredients:
3 organic zucchini
Cherry tomatoes
Juice of 3 limes
One bunch cilantro
½ cup cashews
½ cup olive oil
Directions:
-With peeler, peel zucchini like you would a carrot (when you start to get to the core it will be harder to peel, just save the core for future use).
-Cut cherry tomatoes in half.
-Mix tomatoes and zucchini together in a bowl.
-Mix lime juice, cilantro, cashews and olive oil in a blender or food processor. If too thick, or not breaking down enough, add a bit more lime juice and/or olive oil.
-Pour pesto on zucchini and tomato mixture and mix together.
-Add sea salt and pepper to garnish.
Enjoy!
