Purpose
5 Tips
for
ESSENTIAL Naples
Eating with Intention
By Chef Lisa Brown
SPRING 2022
10
“Conscious eating is a big step toward conscious living.” —Natasha Nuit Pantovic
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M
indfulness, simply put, is a state of becoming fully aware of what is happening in the current moment, without judgment. Food is an essential part of life and is responsible for fueling our bodies from the inside out, so being mindful about our food choices is especially important. Preparing and sharing a meal with loved ones can be an intimate experience that allows for great conversation, deeper connection, and more joy. As a personal chef, coach, and yoga teacher, I work hands-on with clients daily to help them make dietary and lifestyle changes that ultimately lead to greater levels of health, happiness, and harmony. I incorporate mindfulness into my life and my sessions with other people in a multitude of ways, including when I prepare meals or teach a class. How we eat is just as important as what we eat—slowing things down and eating mindfully with intention allows us to get the most out of each meal and will extend into other areas of our life as well. Below are five tips on how to eat with intention.
1
Show gratitude: Before taking a bite off your plate, express gratitude for the meal in front of you and bless the food you are about to eat. Close your eyes and, out loud or to yourself, thank the earth and those involved in the harvesting, preparation, and creation of the ingredients on your plate. Take a moment to acknowledge all the hard work and labor that went into the creation of the food you are about to consume. The simple act of expressing gratitude for the food on our plate can help us cultivate more gratitude in other areas of our life as well.
2
Eat slowly with intention: Let eating become a ritual that is both nourishing and enjoyable. Before even picking up your fork, set an intention that the meal you are about to consume will nourish your body to the fullest. Take the food in with all your senses, noticing any colors, textures, smells, or visceral sensations. Slow the process of eating by chewing for longer periods of time—try to chew 30 times per bite. In addition to promoting better digestion, slowing your eating will enable you to cultivate greater awareness around determining when you are almost full and satiated, so overeating does not occur. Take a deep breath and find a pause before picking up your fork and between bites. Place your fork down on the table while you breathe deeply into your belly, taking a moment to reflect on how you are feeling. Stay present and enjoy each bite.
3/18/22 10:38 AM
