How to tweak our relationship with food to create a healthier lifestyle.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
In the United States, we struggle with a society ripe with unhealthy food and a culture of convenience. We’ve lost touch with how to have a balanced relationship with food and unfortunately adopted toxic eating habits.
Much needed emphasis is placed on what we eat, but we also need to consider how we consume our food. Simple changes can make a big impact.
4 Toxic Habits We Need to Transform:
- Speed Eating
Do you eat like you are in a prison movie, wolfing down each bite before someone can steal it from your hands? Unfortunately, me too. We need to slow down and actually taste our food before we throw it down our gullets.
I don’t have the patience for the old “chew your food 30 times,” however, I know I should be chewing it longer than: one chew, two chew, swallow.
Take smaller bites, and depending on the food’s texture, try to extend chewing to 10 or 30 chews before swallowing. Enjoy the textures of the food and the bouquet of flavors. Ground yourself in the experience instead of subconsciously shoveling it into your mouth.
2. Accepting Freebies
A dentist I used to visit would always offer its clients free freshly baked cookies on your way out the door. Counterintuitive for a dentist, right? Well, it was really hard to say no with that sweet aroma wafting through the air. And they’re free! Who wants to pass up free?
But free is everywhere. You don’t need that lollipop, that cookie, or donut. Just say no unless you are offered a bowl of apples.
3. Antisocial Eating
How many of us are guilty of hiding at our desks and multitasking through lunch? We need to stop this.
- First, life is already lonely, stop isolating yourself!
- Second, meals should be shared. If we are talking, we are slowing down to eat our food. We can exchange ideas on what’s for lunch and catch up on workplace chatter.
Socially, dinner is sacred in my house. Everyone who is home, whether they are busy or not, pauses to gather around the table. They eat what my husband or I prepare, no exceptions. This is a sure way to guarantee my kids are eating protein and veggies, but it also makes the meal an occasion. It’s something we share together in our busy lives. Studies have shown again and again that breaking bread together increases the strength of a family.
4. Lack of Gratitude
Most of us are so separated from where our food comes from and how it is made. We dive into our food without a thought to where it came from or what a blessing it is to have something to eat. We live in a country of plenty, where even the poorest rarely go without. As a Christian, I try to pause before every meal and snack to give thanks to the gifts God has provided to nourish my body.
People in other cultures and religions have ways to acknowledge the gift of food too. While living in Japan, I learned that there were phases you traditionally said before and after the meal to show gratitude for the food and to those who prepared it. Pray, or find your own way to acknowledge the gift of food and the gift of the people who grew and prepared it.
Remember, food is more than something you put in your mouth. A process went into its creation so you can enjoy it, share it, and appreciate it.
To your health.