The Practical Nutritionist, LLC

Audrey J Pellegrino, M. Ed, M.HN,CNW®

Nationally board Certified Nutritional Wellness

Holistic Nutritionist/Educator

603-768-3214

practicalnutrition@gmail.com

www.pnutritionist.com

LAZY DAYS OF SUMMER

As we relax and enjoy the longer days and evenings of summer, the pace of our lifestyles often become more relaxed. When this happens our lives tend to become more enjoyable and manageable at the same time. In the area of our health we could benefit greatly from this approach. Too often we eat in a rush, forgetting not only to “slow down and chew” like your mother told you to, but often we eat in such a hurry in an hour we cannot remember what it was we had eaten.

In the nutrition world we call this mindless eating. As a result of it our country has more gastrointestinal and obesity problems. When we become out of touch with the pleasures of eating than we tend to overeat and eat too quickly. There is a book out that talks about why French people do not get fat. I asked my French daughter in law why that is. They eat higher fat content foods, better pastries, great cheese and drink alcohol. I surmised that the reason they are not obese is because they do not mindlessly eat, but they mindfully eat.

When you practice mindful eating, you are taking the time to enjoy the flavors and textures of your food as well as the atmosphere and company in which it is eaten. This means that you are probably not eating in a car, in front of a television set or out of a bag. When you are eating mindfully, you are aware of what you are eating. You are taking time to think about the flavors and textures, and whether or not you and your body appreciate and like the food that you are eating. You are also taking the time to think about who you are eating with and where and appreciating both things a little more.

This practice benefits not only your weight and control of your weight but also your health.

As you learn to appreciate the flavors of your food, you will become a food “snob” and want the fresh ingredients and full natural flavors that leave you feeling full, but not stuffed, satisfied but not satiated. I tell my younger clients that they are always growing new taste buds and to keep trying foods. This applies to everyone, if you do not like it at first, try it another time. Our taste buds are constantly changing and so are our likes and dislikes. Do you remember that food you hated as a child, but now you like it? I do, for me it was asparagus and now that I have learned to properly prepare it, I enjoy the taste and the texture. As I child I detested both the flavor and the texture of asparagus.

So this summer, when you are slowing down and enjoying a warm evening, remember to slow down when you eat and be mindful of what you are eating and why you are eating it, as well as where and with whom you are eating. By taking inventory and appreciating the company, location, flavors and textures you will automatically slow down, eat less and enjoy it more.