Welcome, Hardy Human. Read your way to better health!
Written by: Michael Sarian
Let’s be real—we’re not biological machines fueled by nutrients. Our relationship with food is a bit complex. It’s emotional and sometimes downright mischievous. Sure, our bodies need sustenance, but our hearts, minds, and taste buds crave so much more.
What is mindful eating? It is about being attentive to your food. It means noticing everything about what you’re eating. You slow down and think, “What’s on my plate? Why am I eyeballing a third steak? Has anyone noticed that I’ve had two steaks? How does my food taste—salty or spicy? Where did it come from—a farm, a factory?” It’s about eating with purpose. When you eat with purpose, you start to enjoy your food more and understand your eating habits better. It’s not about the taste; it’s about the whole eating experience. Alright, let’s dive into these key components.
Comfort and Connection
Do you ever think that food often wraps us in a warm cuddle, like a cherished memory or a hug from a loved one? Mom’s Kofte Kebab is so f**king delicious. Yaya’s Bisi is like a beaver tail. And Dad’s BBQ hamburgers are always thick and juicy. These dishes bring us comfort and connection. We look for relief in food during tough times, creating a sense of familiarity and safety. It’s our edible security blanket. And you know what? That’s fine. We’re not designed to be flawless, and every meal doesn’t have to be a model of health. Do you think that I can eat poached haddock with broccoli as often as I should? Nah, nah, I don’t think so. Having said that, being mindful of our eating habits is crucial.
Celebration and Rituals
Food is at the heart of celebrations—birthdays, weddings, holidays, and milestones. Imagine Thanksgiving without a delicious, mouth-watering roasted turkey or Easter without chocolate eggs. What would be the point of these holidays without the high-calorie and succulent extras in our bellies? Rituals around food—whether it’s breaking bread with family, sharing a toast, or blowing out candles—bind us together. Believe me, there’s no need to avoid these delightful dishes, given that such holidays are rare throughout the year. So for the love of all Michaels, partake and savor mindfully.
Emotional Eating
Our emotions often dictate our food choices. Stress triggers a craving for crispy chips; sadness calls for a pint of ice cream; and menstrual cycles make Cadbury stock prices rise. Food becomes our good buddy, listening without judgment. Indulging in comfort food can be a soothing balm for the soul, offering a momentary escape from life’s stresses. It’s perfectly natural to seek solace in the familiar flavors that awaken warmth and happiness. However, it’s important to practice this form of emotional eating with a sense of awareness. While occasional indulgence is part of a balanced life, frequent overeating can lead to long-term health consequences. So, enjoy those cherished treats, but also stay mindful of the frequency and quantity to maintain both emotional and physical well-being.
Boredom and Routine
Eating out of boredom is a common experience, one that often leads us to make less-than-ideal food choices. When we’re not truly hungry but merely looking for something to do, we tend to gravitate towards quick, convenient, and often unhealthy snacks. Take it from me: if I had a sh**ty day, I could tear apart a box of Sour Patch Kids easily. These mindless munching habits can contribute to a cycle of emotional eating that disconnects us from our body’s actual nutritional needs. The temporary comfort provided by junk food is fleeting, and over time, this pattern can affect our health and well-being. Mindful eating encourages us to pause and think for a moment as to what the f*k we’re doing here and consider why we’re reaching for food—is it hunger, boredom, or something else? By recognizing these cues, we can choose to engage in more nourishing activities that fulfill us in healthier ways. It’s about creating a balance where we enjoy food without letting it become a reflexive response to boredom. Next time you step into the kitchen outside of your usual mealtime, take a moment to pause and ask yourself: “Am I truly hungry?” Or perhaps, “Do I genuinely need to eat something?” By consistently practicing this mindful pause and self-inquiry, you’ll find yourself making healthier choices and progressing toward your wellness objectives. Trust me, this simple awareness can make a significant difference.
The Art of Pleasure
Think of food as a simple joy. It’s like a colorful painting that you can eat. Imagine this: a velvety custard crowned with a brittle, caramelized sugar topping—a golden, glass-like sheet that shatters delightfully with the tap of a spoon. Do you know what I’m talking about? That’s right, a scrumptious bowl of crème brûlée. Sounds delicious, right? I love this sh*t. Sometimes, we just want a burst of flavor to brighten our day. It’s the little things, like the perfect crunch of a toasted bagel with the creamiest cream cheese or the zing of crushed peppers on a buttery plate of pasta, that bring a smile. I know what you’re thinking—does this guy weigh 1000 lbs.? I probably would if I were eating buttery pasta every day. Moderation, my fellow Hardy Humans, you can still enjoy your favorites. Food doesn’t have to be complicated to be enjoyable either. It’s the everyday bites, the familiar tastes, that often mean the most. So, the next time you sit down to eat, slow down and take a moment to appreciate the simple yet wonderful flavors on your plate.
Nostalgia and Identity
Eating foods that remind us of good times in the past is special. It’s like the flavors and smells take us back to happy days. I can be taking a stroll somewhere, and then I smell fried fish. My torso stops, and my head turns in the direction of that beautiful smell while my legs keep going. Now, I’m in a f**king time machine, sending me back to my grandpa’s old apartment. He’d be frying up that fish like it was our last meal. I wasn’t much of a fish aficionado by any stretch of the imagination, but, oh man, his fish? Pure deliciousness! Of course, mindful eating means we pay attention to what we eat and choose healthy foods, but it’s okay to enjoy these memory-filled fried foods too. These foods are part of our story and the good times we’ve had with family and friends. So, it’s good to eat healthy, but it’s also good to sometimes enjoy the foods that make us think of happy times. This way, we take care of our health and also keep the good memories alive, one tasty bite after another.
Curiosity and adventure
Trying new foods is like going on an adventure. It’s exciting to taste different things, like strange fruits or dishes from a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Have you ever tasted mante? It’s delicious. It’s like the Armenian version of beef tortellini, but it’s prepared and dressed differently. I remember making mante for my friends at a cottage; some appreciated it, and others didn’t. It’s known to be very garlicky, which I love. When we’re curious, we’re brave with our food choices. We might find a new favorite or decide some tastes are not for us. But that’s the fun part—guessing if we’ll like it or not. So, the next time you see a food you’ve never tried before, go ahead and give it a taste. Who knows? You might just discover your next big food love.
Folks, let’s be realistic—it’s not about eating perfectly every single day of our lives. Explore and sometimes indulge, but most often, choose a healthy portion. Ultimately, it’s about finding balance, because without balance, there is no stability.
Thank you for reading my article. If you found it useful, please make sure to share it and subscribe to be notified when I release another article. I appreciate you and wish you a great day!