Fast food may be convenient, but it takes all the pleasure out of preparing and enjoying a meal. There are so many great reasons to take longer over eating that it’s well worth thinking about ways you can slow down your mealtimes, leading to improved health, happiness and vitality.
Here are a few tips on how you can get out of the habit of eating on the fly, and enjoy longer, healthier and more satisfying meals.
Dig out the recipe books
You’re more likely to linger longer over food you’ve spent a while preparing, as nobody wants their lovingly home-cooked meal to disappear in seconds!
So take some time to dust off your old recipe books, earmark some old favourites or recipes you’d like to try and build up a list to work through over the next few weeks. Keep it with you when you’re out shopping, so you’ve always got the ingredients you need in the house.
Learning more about where your food comes from and how far it’s travelled to get to your plate will also make you appreciate it more, and enjoy each mouthful. Shopping at farmers’ markets and growing your own will definitely help with this process.
Eat with family and friends
There’s nothing quite so relaxing as enjoying good food in great company, and being relaxed while you eat is great for general wellbeing. Get into the habit of eating together at the dinner table if you have one, as this will give you the chance to talk during the meal, slowing down the speed you can all eat.
Focus on your food
Try to get into the habit of eating in a quiet and calm environment where you’re not disturbed by the TV or other distractions. This will help you to enjoy what’s on your plate a great deal more. When eating, be sure to take regular sips of water and don’t be tempted to shovel too much food into your mouth all at once – however delicious it may be!
Don’t leave it too late
Even the best chefs find that preparing a meal often takes longer than planned, so don’t be put off starting your cooking earlier in the day, prepping and chopping ingredients hours beforehand if you have time to spare.
This will result in your mealtimes getting earlier, so you’ll be less rushed when you come to eat. Earlier mealtimes mean longer to enjoy and digest your food, which in turn improves your sleep patterns.
Image: Sporkist
