|
Feature Articles: Body Image
Embrace the Pleasure Principal in FoodLinda Rellergert, Nutrition Specialist in St.
Charles County |
|
The movie “Chocolat” reminds us that eating can and should be
one of life’s pleasures — that life is better when we embrace
the pleasure principal in food. Many people in our country
though seem to believe that pleasure has no place in good
nutrition and good health.
However, this idea is contrary to nature and may actually result in overeating because meals are not satisfying. In the end, nutrition and health both suffer. Consider these pleasures found in food and eating.
Growing or producing food.
While flowers and shrubs provide a visual feast, growing fruits and vegetables can also be very satisfying. Making a meal with foods you’ve grown adds greatly to its enjoyment.
Spring mushroom and wild greens gathering are old-time food
ways that many people still enjoy and are a great way to be
active outdoors.
Buying food.
Families with young children enjoy outings to an orchard or a pumpkin patch as a way to spend quality time together.
A weekend drive to the country can include stops at roadside stands for just-picked produce and a chance to meet the people who grew it.
Most children like watching doughnuts being made or bread and rolls being shaped at a bakery.
Even the grocery store has beauty to be enjoyed in the fresh
produce colors and wonderful aromas of baking bread.
Preparing food.
Taking time to make a romantic candlelight dinner, a pot of
soup when someone is ill or sending a package of homemade
cookies are all ways to say “I care.”
Family celebrations often involve special food or food
traditions. Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without Mom’s
special stuffing!
Entertaining often revolves around food — barbeques, dinner
parties, receptions, Super Bowl parties. Planning what to serve
is part of the fun!
Cooking together is a natural way to fit in quality time with
loved ones. Young children love to help Mom and Dad in the
kitchen. As children develop skills, they truly can be very
helpful with both preparing meals and cleaning up afterward.
Some of the best rewards are the spontaneous conversations that
occur while working side by side.
Eating.
When we eat with full awareness, all our senses are involved.
We are more likely to tune into our hungers and satisfy them
appropriately.
Taste.
Foods are sweet, sour, spicy, salty, bitter or some
combination of these tastes. The tastes you enjoy will vary from
day to day or month to month, depending on variables such as
mood, physical health, age, sense of adventure, exposure and
expanding palette among others.
Smell.
The smell of food can start the saliva flowing and get the
digestive juices moving in anticipation of what is to come. Or,
it can turn you away with a grimace. Food aroma greatly affects
the way food tastes to us.
Touch.
How food feels in your mouth affects your enjoyment of it
and your satisfaction after eating it. If you yearn for
something chewy, pudding or broth just won’t do. If you want
something crunchy and eat yogurt, you’ll be looking for more
food after your meal is over, even if you’re physically full.
Sound.
Some foods are noisy, like chips and raw carrots. Remember
the popularity of Rice Krispies with its Snap, Crackle, and Pop
characters? It can be very satisfying to make a lot of noise
when eating and to hear yourself munching away.
Sight.
As with smell, the sight of food can trigger hunger
responses, especially for people who are extra sensitive to
visual food cues. Most people enjoy eating food that is
attractively prepared and presented in an appealing manner.
Last update: Wednesday, September 27, 2006
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
