Like any date, a date with yourself is meant to make you feel special. You want to serve great food, set the table and give yourself full attention. No looking out the window, watching TV or getting absorbed in your phone. Imagine someone would do this to you. You’d never want to meet them again.
Taking a moment out of a busy day and being right there with all your senses is called being mindful. You can extend it to mindful eating, which means you savour your meal to the fullest: the beautiful taste, the delicious smell, the appealing colours – everything.
I’m working from home and have a lunch date with myself on most days. Admittedly, I’m often a terrible date. I watch Netflix, read the news, and sometimes don’t even bother sitting down, or I eat in front of my laptop.
It’s not only rude but also unhealthy because consuming food should never be one of many things; it should be the only thing you do. Eating slowly and without distractions allows you to listen to your satiation cues.
When your brain can register that you’re eating, you have a greater chance of leaving the table satisfied and happy.
It also gives you the mental space to listen to how your body reacts to the food and how it makes you feel.
If – after a meal – you’re feeling stuffed, sick or craving more, you might be one of those bad dates. I promised myself to make my next date all about me because I’m worth it!
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