Note: As part of National Nutrition Month, we'll be highlighting tips from our Registered Dietitians around the theme of "Nutrition from the Ground Up." For more info see our kickoff post or visit ADA's National Nutrition Month page.
By: Christa Eimers, Dietetic intern, St. Louis Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Date: 3/26/10
Mmm, food. It is the song of the soul. At least for some of us (chicken soup anyone?). At other times, creating something appetizing, not to mention “healthy”, can be a daunting task. This is especially true after a long day of work with no concrete plans for what healthful and scrumptious food will be served up for the family dinner that night. For those of us (myself included) trying to provide a balanced meal for our families while still keeping our waistlines in check, it doesn’t have to be an uphill battle.
Healthful eating is not just about mindlessly shoveling down foods we call “healthy”. It is about listening to our internal cues and learning to enjoy and savor food. But that poses an interesting question: How do you enjoy food?
Just eat. Be a mindful eater by being present with your food. Often times, things like watching TV, surfing the internet, and driving while you eat can distract you from the hidden pleasures that food can provide. This isn’t just about taste. Your family and body will thank you for this undivided attention, and it may lead to a more pleasant dining experience and greater satisfaction both inside and out.
Chill out. Someone told me last week that cooking was like stress-relief therapy. Just like a runner experiences a lift from pounding the pavement, other people find relaxation in the simple pleasures that preparing a meal can provide. This struck a chord in me. Maybe I too need to slow down and search out my own “kitchen therapy”. Take satisfaction in the process of cooking, turn on some soothing music and let the nose enjoy the aroma. If things don’t simmer as planned, laugh and make the best of it! Take a cue from the Italians and others who find simple treasures in life by lingering around the dinner table conversation, and try not to be so rushed to get the dishes washed tonight.
Appreciate your food. I recently began trying to get my five-year-old daughter to stop singing songs of boredom as we grocery shopped by teaching her about food. We marveled at purple potatoes and the fuzz on peaches. I explained which foods fell into each part of MyPyramid and where they come from or how they are made. My shopping trips still take the same amount of time, but I did gain a happy kitchen helper that is always asking (or reminding me) about where our food comes from. We can learn a lot from kids about the value of food, even if it’s just willingness to try purple potatoes.
A healthful lifestyle is not about deprivation, but it could be about feeling better about yourself and what you eat. Whether it’s an ice cream cone or a veggie platter, don’t underestimate the power of enjoyment.
How will you enjoy your food tonight?
Christa Eimers is completing her dietetic internship at the St. Louis Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Christa is currently an intern at the International Food Information Council Foundation.