An Invitation to More Joyful Eating
At some point in our health journey, we may find ourselves trying to fit into our day all of the healthy foods we are told we should be eating. With endless amounts of information available to us online, as well as access to various imported, exotic health products, it is no wonder that many of us become consumed by the pressure of trying to curate and sustain the “perfect” diet. This may or may not result in us having a diet that tastes “mmm…ok” but, “at least it’s good for us”.
Firstly, I am not about to suggest that you switch that broccoli for a slice of cake (although, sometimes that might not be a bad suggestion at all). What I am suggesting, is that you make healthier choices, that also taste great to you.
It is no coincidence that our bodies may feel drawn to different foods, at different times of year, times of day, times of the month or phases of our lives. Different foods, prepared in different ways possess different qualities. All of which have a varied effect on us, physically as well as emotionally, perhaps even spiritually.
To surmise from all of our research that we must, for example, be eating steamed broccoli and kale every day in order to be healthy, would inevitably lead to us feeling unsatisfied at some point or another. As a result, we may actually find ourselves craving more unhealthy foods as a substitute for a deeper sense of nourishment, or feel uninspired to continue with our healthy lifestyle. Add onto this the perspective that when we eat with more joy, we actually absorb more nutrients!
As a side note, you may also be familiar with the practice of chewing our food X amount of times before swallowing. I have been told this in the past too. I spent – mmmm, a few days at best – counting the amount of times I chewed my food, making sure it was a fine paste, and then swallowing. How… joyless, actually. What I would suggest is instead chewing your food slowly and well enough that you actually enjoy it! Radical – I know. But have you ever enjoyed a meal so completely that you naturally found yourself slowing down, savoring, chewing in order to release all of that delicious flavor? Which also brings us back to the importance of eating foods that you actually enjoy eating.
If we can learn to tune into and ask ourselves what it is we really need to feel nourished and deeply satisfied each day, we will find that our way of eating begins to feel more aligned and intuitive. We may find ourselves drawn to warmer, cooked, soupy foods in winter; a breakfast of mango and papaya in summer; lighter foods when we are in a time of change; a little dark chocolate mid-afternoon. It can be different for everyone.
When we trust our natural desire, we eat in a way that is far more satisfying, joyful and nourishing for all levels of our being. We enjoy our food, and consequently we enjoy our lives more. Eating becomes a celebratory time for bringing life’s offerings into our body, and allowing that offering to become a part of us
Written by Erica Cooke.