I spent a few days at a resort in Mexico this past summer for a friend's wedding. I've known her since the 2nd grade and it was a really fun time hanging out with familiar faces.
It was also hot, so very hot. I took sweating to a whole new level. During the afternoon wedding in full sun on the beach, I discovered parts of my body that I didn't know could sweat. Toes, chins, elbows, you name it... I was drenched. Despite the intense heat, it was undoubtedly the most beautiful and moving ceremony I have ever had the privilege to witness.
It took some strategic eating to keep my sensitive body cool and comfortable. Not only in what I ate, but how I ate. I was in a different country and yet I had every type of food available to me. When you are in a contained environment, such as an all inclusive resort, with many different nationalities represented, there is food for all types of tastes and appetites. Being a naturally curious person, fascinated by other cultures, I kept my eyes peeled.
Culture Curiosity
As I walked by the all day buffet and grill, I noticed something rather special. Families, many of them, quietly and peacefully eating together. They would sit down at a table, have selected an array of fresh foods, chosen the ceramic plates, knife, fork, and a glass for their beverage. They were looking at their food, casually taking in their surroundings, eating relatively slowly and seemingly with care and attention. There was a definite appreciation of the food before them. It was subtle, but it immediately caught my eye. I always like to see what people like to eat. It is, after-all, my favorite subject.
Upon closer inspection, (that's right, I snooped) I noticed they didn't speak English. I heard German, Spanish, French and even Russian. Day after day, I noticed the same thing. Families, eating together peacefully and they were not American.
At first, I didn't know why I was looking at these families. Something about them was attractive to me. Something about the way they were being and eating during their mid-day meal that seemed so pleasant. They actually seemed to be enjoying each other's company and tasting their food. Ah! That was it!
My eyes darted from table to table with curiosity. Where were my fellow Americans? There they go! Drive by eat-n-run; grab a paper plate and fix some food to-go; take-out for pool side munching or for seascape snack. Busy! Busy! Busy!
Sometimes, I actually saw families sitting together, and oddly enough usually with one or more family members looking away, squirming in their seat or, I silently giggled, trying hard to control an energetic child running circles around their table. There was a distinct if not subtle energy in the way American families were eating their lunches and the way European families ate. A cultural lab experiment, if you will. And I found it fascinating. What IS that about?
Food American Style
Have we gotten so busy that even during vacation time, we've forgotten the pleasures of dining together? Do we have so much going on that we can not pay attention to what nourishes us? Are we so plum tired from every day life that we can't be bothered? I say, bring on the Slow Food Movement and let's sit down and hang out over delicious treats that also happens to fuel our life energy. Bring on the broccoli revolution! Vote yes for two hour lunch hours! (that IS on someone's campaign promises, isn't it?)
It's not just what you eat, it's also HOW you eat. How you may ask? Well let's not omit the obvious benefits of eating consciously: the pleasure and enjoyment factors. That IS nice. But did you also know...
- I've had clients get rid of Tums and other digestive aids by simply slowing down enough to chew their food well
- you'll eat much less when you pay attention to your food: given half a chance your body will get it's nutrients much more easily and effectively when you give it time to assimilate and concentrate on food digestion vs. your next "to-do"
- the presentation of your food, just like a gift, is part of the satisfaction, wouldn't you say? - do you pay attention to how your food looks on your plate or do you slop it on? Is it visually appealing and attractive? Is it colorful and vibrant? Your cravings will actually decrease
- eating on-the-go all the time can cause malabsorption of essential nutrients and constant cravings
- connecting with the people you dine fills you up on real-nourishment, it just doesn't come on your plate
Mindless, Frenzied, Stand-Up Feasting
A Beverly Hills plastic surgeon from the new reality show (yes, this is the quality stuff I watch) "Dr. 90210" showed the viewing audience his daily morning routine. He takes 2 dozen, hard-boiled eggs onto his patio and proceeds to choke down each egg white, discarding the yolk. (His wife makes him eat outside due to the smell) You can see his body reflex gag and he winces as he forces himself to eat what keeps him full and trim. I nearly puked just watching this. It wasn't pretty. Nuts I tell you!
Borrowing from the author Geneen Roth(www.geneenroth.com), "when you eat at the fridge, pull up a chair." We could all put cameras on our refrigerators and see what we look like in our frenzied, mindless, stand-up feasts. I imagine I look like a lost little girl, when I stare into the fridge, hoping and praying I can spot some chocolate-wrap foil twinkling in the florescent glow. No such luck!
Here's an idea: Try having ONE meal a day in peace, even if it's just a mini-meal snack, sit down without television or reading. It may feel difficult at first. Whether alone or with someone, choose to make that meal enjoyable. Breathe... Just check yourself and see how you're eating. Is it always on the go? Hurried? Distracted? Worried? Could our way of eating be affecting our health concerns? Yes, consider it possible. Trust me, you will crave less junk and your digestion will be much better.
Now is the perfect time to enjoy slowing down. Pull up a chair and enjoy your meals.
Karin Witzig of Wild Woman Wellness? Health Coaching has been in a private practice and a Speaker in the New York metropolitan area for nearly five years and has a national clientele of courageous women breaking out of their food ruts and energy-lulls. She specializes in making getting healthy highly pleasurable, practical and fun. She can be reached via http://www.wildwomanwellness.com
Winnetka Mercedes Benz s500 rentals ...This is usually the forgotten element of most mass programs.... Read More
Remember the old adage, you are what you eat? The... Read More
A green and lush oasis in the middle of a... Read More
The Mediterranean Diet is now recognized as one of the... Read More
It would be fair to assume that almost everyone on... Read More
Because all of us have been brought up eating junk... Read More
Understanding What a Low Cholesterol Diet isBasically, in order to... Read More
A frequent misunderstanding about macrobiotics is that it is a... Read More
I first learned of Milk Soy Protein Intolerance (MSPI) in... Read More
Have you seen those "fat free" foods in supermarkets? Have... Read More
Nuts are readily available and provide a highly nutritious food.... Read More
We come from a society where growing organic and just... Read More
Imagine you're a cell.Inside your body runs the machinery that... Read More
It is believed that cane sugar was discovered before the... Read More
Anyone who has spent a day fasting from food, or... Read More
This free list of fat burning foods will help you... Read More
Some people say to themselves, junk food is not that... Read More
Spring in New York City is a really magical time.... Read More
Flaxseeds may be the smallest seeds you will find in... Read More
With new research, new products and new skin protection advice... Read More
The egg, the symbol of birth, of life and, therefore,... Read More
Since the 1930's the western diet has dramatically changed. This... Read More
The Benefits of SnackingYou may feel regretful about snacking, but... Read More
Coke, more commonly known as cocaine is a highly addictive... Read More
Some experts consider carbohydrate craving and addiction as something more... Read More
Barrington South limo prices to midway ...Nutrition is extremely important for any young person, especially an... Read More
THE RISKNo doubt you've heard of the increasingly popular "raw... Read More
What if there was a combination of foods that were... Read More
Today, more than ever, consumers over the age of 50... Read More
Have you ever watched someone who appears thin and healthy... Read More
In parts 1-4 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
The key to better health is learning the difference between... Read More
America's major dietary deficiency - EFA a panacea for good... Read More
1. Water. If you're thirsty you're already dehydrated. The majority... Read More
Quick Overview- I think the most important thing for people... Read More
What is nutrition? We hear so many reports today on... Read More
Food in general has the distinction of being probably the... Read More
Numerous reports have recently appeared in both the lay and... Read More
Detoxifying the body has become an apparent key preventative measure... Read More
Proper hydration is extremely important during exercise. Adequate fluid intake... Read More
Beverages - and not just alcohol - are a significant... Read More
It is amazing to be able to say I am... Read More
The typical American diet already provides plenty of protein and... Read More
Remember the old adage, you are what you eat? The... Read More
I am going to share with you possibly the most... Read More
1. Enjoy what you eatWhether someone is following the Atkins... Read More
High Fructose Corn SyrupBefore we get to high fructose corn... Read More
The nutritional support in critically ill patients can be explained... Read More
The old clich? that you are what you eat is... Read More
The importance of protein in diet has been clearly established... Read More
Nutrition Nutrition |