Love Your Summer

Tap into the power of mindfulness to savour the flavour of the season.
Published July 18, 2016

If it seems like a luxury to actually sit down to a properly set table, inhaling the aroma of delicious food, and truly savouring each bite, you’ve come to the right place! With life going at warp speed most days, we grab (and devour) breakfast while commuting to the office; squeeze in a quick lunch while working at our desks; and wolf down dinner while watching TV with the family. Speed eating often means overeating. But when you focus on what's on your plate, you tend to slow down — creating a simple, yet powerful way to help you stay on track. What better time to do it than summer, when the warm air and long days are meant for relaxing and putting on the brakes? Try tuning in to the pleasures of the here and now with these ideas at mealtime.

Make food the star
Think about your last couple of meals. Was the TV on? Phone at your elbow? These attention grabbers can affect how you eat. Hitting the brakes and focusing only on your food can help you enjoy your meals more and eat less as a result. There's even research to back it up: One study found that people ate 10 percent fewer calories when they dialed down their pace than when they scarfed down their food, and felt less hungry afterward.

To decelerate when dining

  • Think through food choices
    When we’re in a hurry, we might just grab whatever's convenient. Planning what you'll eat eliminates some of this last-minute temptation, and adds to the pleasurable anticipation. 
     
  • Eat regularly
    Don't let more than four hours go by between meal—that way, you won't be famished when you sit down to eat, and you can pause to appreciate the different flavours crossing your palate.
     
  • Pause for a quiet moment
    Before digging in, stop to reflect on your mood. A little reflection before a meal can help keep emotional eating in check and enhance your enjoyment of the meal. In fact, getting into the practice of meditation can help you de-stress so you enjoy your meal even more.  
     
  • Downsize your bites
    The meal shouldn’t be a race to the finish line. Savour! Take smaller bites, put your fork down in between, chew each bite thoroughly (fibre-rich foods like apples and broccoli take longer to chew) and take a sip of water before raising your fork again.
     
  • Avoid social sidetracks
    Dining out with family and friends is one of life’s pleasures. On the down side, that absorbing conversation can mean you lose track of what and how much you’re eating, so keep checking in with your plate (and your appetite)—and make sure you’re really enjoying all the flavours of a special meal.

The pastas of summer
Rich with colourful, flavourful veggies and infused with a tangy dressing,  our Pasta Salad with Tomato & Basil is just one of our delicious options. Enjoy our Pasta Salad with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Arugula or our refreshing Orzo Salad with Watermelon and Feta.