Enjoying the Experience

I was chatting with my nutrition-coach-partner friend (what do we call ourselves Rach?) last night and she made a good point that I want to expand on a little.  She was saying that when she really thought about Thanksgiving the food was secondary to so many other things.  There is quite a spirit to the day that is different from any other day or feast.  We both liked dressing up a little that day, being with family and the whole feel of the day more than just tasting the food.  Being alone in a room with all that food would not be nearly as appetizing!  Yet, many times we focus so much on the food and the guilt about it that we belittle what really matters to us....the experience.   

I thought about this further and thought about what foods would look appetizing all alone and although the idea of a hot bath and a warm brownie sundae sounds like pure heaven, I would never define myself as happy if that is all I ever ate. And, if all my meals were served to me all alone in some room (even in the bathtub) I doubt I would enjoy food as much. At best it would just medicate me but I really see overtime losing the excitement for it.  The experience plays a major part in my satisfaction of the meal. 

So, homework for tonight.  Look at all your "sinful" eats and imagine eating them.  But instead of just stopping there,  look around your little fantasy and see what else is there.  Maybe it is more a memory and that food is what triggers those experiences.  Really think about the experience of the food and do some little self psychology.  With a little time you can learn that when food is involved to take in the whole scene and let it ALL feed you.