Many times the joy of eating isn’t about food as much as it’s about our social events or family get-togethers.
During these gatherings, you may find you get caught up in the experience of eating because it’s part of the fun of being with others.
Instead of proclaiming that you love all food, look for ways you can have eating experiences. Learn to create an atmosphere that meets your needs without depending on food to make an event enjoyable.
When you recognize your goal is to enjoy a meal, set things up to make this happen. Let the food become a minor part of your event, perhaps even choosing a simple meal of soup or salad for your experience.
If you decide to go to a restaurant for this exercise, select one based on the type of experience you want to have. Or create an eating experience at home by arranging the room, decorating the table and choosing music that will add to your event.
Today’s assignment (my answers are in blue)
1. Recall times when you’ve had some of your most enjoyable eating experiences. What made these times so special? Write a few notes about this.
I love going on vacation and eating at new restaurants in new places. I recall an Old World Italian restaurant we went to a few years ago in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was decorated with dark wood and iron railings. The food was good, but the atmosphere and our wonderful visit made that a great experience.
2. Describe one or two of your most favorite types of eating experiences.
A meal with candles, good background music, nice energy in the room, and great conversation, either with my husband or a group of friends. It’s almost like the food doesn’t matter very much.
3. Using this description, plan an eating experience that matches your needs. After you finish the meal, record your favorite details from it.
A couple years ago, my husband and I went to a restaurant in downtown Denver on Thanksgiving Day. I usually feel kind of lonely on holidays, so I wanted a special meal that day. It was wonderful with great decorating, good food, and a nice atmosphere.
We had talked ahead of time about our plan, and since it was a pre-planned meal where they served you in courses, we both ate only half of everything they served. It was a great experience!
Excerpted from Day 40 in the book 100 Days of Weight Loss