“…while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.” And cookies, pies, and candy. So much delicious, enticing food surrounds us this time of year, and for many people it is a source of anxiety rather than of pleasure. It’s a love/hate thing, wanting to indulge in the sweets of the season but plagued by the voice inside that says, “don’t do it, you’ll be sorry later!”
I recently discussed the issue of guilt in eating with some friends, and one of them shared with me a very helpful suggestion. I would like to offer it to you, in hopes that it enables you to partake fully in the culinary delights of the holidays.
My friend’s suggestion was simple: instead of telling yourself how bad it is that you are eating – or about to eat – a food you like, enjoy that food with love. Fully savor every bite, noting the taste, smell, and texture of the food. Relish the experience. Think of the care that went into bringing this food to you – from harvesting each ingredient to transporting it to the store to preparing it for you to enjoy, right here, right now. Eat it with gratitude, love and pure delight.
This is a far cry from the hurried and shame-filled experience of arguing with ourselves about whether we should eat something, then filling our minds with so much guilt that we completely miss the actual experience of eating it. This is mindful eating, and we usually end up eating less when we eat this way! When we allow ourselves to embrace the pleasure of eating, we feel satisfied because we are not mindlessly stuffing ourselves. We are taking the time to enjoy each bite. And in so doing, we change the entire energy of the experience of eating from anxious to relaxed and joyful. That is good for our minds and our bodies!
May you all enjoy the blessings of this Holiday season!
Tags: culinary delights of the holidays, eat with gratitude, eating, embrace the pleasure of eating, enjoy food with love, far cry from the hurried and shame-filled experience of eating, food, guilt in eating, holiday stress, holidays, indulge in the sweets of the season, instead of telling yourself how bad it is, mindful eating
