Healthy eating is often viewed as a burden or a chore, something we have to do in order to stay healthy or lose weight. But what if we could enjoy healthy foods just as much as we enjoy our favourite treats?
It’s no secret that eating is a pleasurable experience. The taste, texture, and aroma of food all contribute to our enjoyment of eating. It triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This means that when we eat something that we find pleasurable, our brain responds by releasing dopamine, which makes us feel good and reinforces the behaviour. For many, eating healthily isn’t as enjoyable as indulging in treats. However, is there a way to make healthy eating less of a chore?
Why should we enjoy eating?
Food is an essential part of our daily lives, and it plays a significant role in our physical and mental well-being. While the primary function of food is to provide us with the necessary nutrients and energy to function, it also has an emotional aspect. Eating can be a pleasurable and enjoyable experience, and there are many reasons why we should appreciate and savour our food.
Enjoying our food has been linked to positively impacting our mental health (1). Studies have shown that when we take the time to savour our food, we experience greater satisfaction and enjoyment, which can improve our mood and reduce stress levels. Furthermore, enjoying our food can help us to develop a healthier relationship with food and our bodies, which can positively impact our overall well-being.
Taking a more caring approach to eating by paying attention to internal feelings and needs can foster a positive lifestyle (2). This approach, known as mindful eating, encourages individuals to be present at the moment and fully engaged with their food. By tuning in to our bodies and paying attention to our hunger and fullness cues, we can develop a more intuitive relationship with food and make better food choices that support our health and well-being.
How can we enjoy food more?
- Set the scene
Create a pleasant environment for enjoying your food by removing distractions like the television and setting up a tidy and clean table. This can help you be more present with the food and fully savour the experience.
- Experiment
Try new recipes, new ingredients, and new cooking methods to add excitement to your food.
- Practise mindful eating
Practice mindfulness while eating by reflecting on the effort that went into producing the meal, from the farmer to the cook. Chewing slowly and taking small bites can help you savour the flavours and textures of the food.
- Indulge in moderation
Enjoying occasional indulgences can make eating more pleasurable, but it’s important to balance them with healthy eating habits.
Overall, enjoying healthy foods is an essential factor in making long-lasting changes to one’s diet. When people find healthy foods enjoyable, they are more likely to stick with them over time and reap the health benefits that come with a nutritious diet.
Encouraging the pleasure of eating with healthier options is vital for promoting both individual and societal well-being. By making healthy choices enjoyable and accessible, we can help to create a culture of health and wellness that benefits us all.
The stress of planning and cooking meals can often take the enjoyment out of eating the dish. Our meal plan subscription is built with the mind of making healthy, tasty, and beautiful-looking food to reignite that passion for healthy eating. By injecting the enjoyment back into eating and removing the stress of cooking it, we hope to help people make long-lasting changes.
So, enjoy your food!
