Last night, I enjoyed a fun dinner with friends and family, indulging in more wine, cheese, and dessert than I had in quite some time. As my weekly posts reveal, social gatherings have been sparse lately, and so this evening was all the more enjoyable.
However, I didn't sleep well afterward; I suspect going to bed on a full stomach didn't agree with me. I tossed and turned, attributing it to the rich foods I had consumed.
And so this morning, my mind started to play tricks and I started to think, was the meal that I ate a “bad” meal? Should I have had less cheese and bread, wine and dessert? Why is it that something so pleasurable can leave behind a bitter aftertaste of guilt? Am I really allowing myself to scold myself and hear "you shouldn't have eaten that!". Do I need to start today differently? And what would “different” look like?
As I prepare my breakfast the morning after, I am left to reconcile these opposing forces within me – the desire for enjoyment and the need for discipline. But the lesson I remind myself is that there exists a delicate balance between savoring life's pleasures and respecting the body's limits. Balance is achieved by feeling calm and there exists a certain ease once that is achieved.
And so, how can we strike a balance between enjoying delicious food, the company, and feeling satisfied without overeating, ultimately feeling great about the meal as a whole?
Enjoying delicious food doesn't have to mean overeating. In fact, savoring your meals mindfully can enhance your enjoyment while helping you maintain a healthy relationship with food. It is about mindfulness, moderation, and appreciation. By savoring each bite, listening to your body, and embracing the social aspect of dining, you can find joy in every meal while maintaining a healthy relationship with food. Mindful eating begins with tuning into your body's signals. It is important to pay attention to your feelings of hunger. It is truly a pleasure to feel nourished, both physically and emotionally, knowing that you enjoyed the food without overindulging.
In the end, it's not about denying yourself the joys of delicious food but rather about appreciating them in a way that nourishes both body and soul. By eating mindfully and in moderation, you can enjoy it without the guilt or discomfort of overindulgence.
If I can help you learn how to eat mindfully and find your balance contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com