My Take on National Nutrition Month
Did you know March is National Nutrition Month? Each year in March, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics chooses a theme to celebrate. And this year’s theme is “Enjoy the taste of eating right.” The Academy is super into “eating right.” Their URL is www.eatrigh.org after all. I don’t like the worD “right” because it feels rather narrow and “judgy” to me. BUT I can totally get on board with the idea of savoring and tasting the food you are putting into your body.
It’s no surprise that when we slow down and taste the food we eat, we actually become a little more discriminatory and that can be a good thing. But I believe there is a second mindfulness practice, that when combined with tasting, can help you eat healthier and with less emotional distress. And the practice I’m referring to is sensing how the food you eat feels in your body after you’ve eaten it.
All this practice requires is asking and noting, “how does my body feel right now?” There is no right or wrong way to do this and you can ask yourself that question at any time. After you practice really tasting your food and really noticing how that food feels in your body, a natural consequence is finding your own path to more balanced and healthful eating.
So if you’re thinking, this lady’s full of it all I want to eat is chocolate and pizza, I challenge you to try the practices I’m suggesting! Nothing beats personal experience. And if you’re so inclined, check out the treasure trove of resources and research assembled by The Center for Mindful Eating.
So in honor of National Nutrition Month, simply enjoy the taste of eating and see what you discover. You just might surprise yourself!