Saturday, November 26, 2011

Tis the Season for Sensual Eating


For a variety of reasons, the holidays can be a stressful time for many people. If you're watching your waistline, this can be a particular trying time. Putting the sensuality back into your supper has the power to transform a simple bite into a blast of pleasure with every morsel that passes your lips. And mindful eating will not only going to make your holiday meals markedly more pleasurable, it’s an excellent dieting tool because it lends itself to portion control and keeps you from overeating.

Here are five dieter-friendly tips to help you savor your holiday season:

1. Wake up your tongue with new tastes and textures. When it comes to appetizers, treat yourself to new taste sensations by trying unfamiliar foods. This way you won’t pile your plate up with the tried and true, thus limiting your pre dinner calorie intake.

2. Avoid calorie laden cocktails. Cocktails can be a real diet buster if you don’t watch your bar intake. Spirits (vodka, gin, rum, etc.) have more calories than beer and wine, and when you add the mixes and fruit juices to the glass the calorie count keeps on growing. Drinking a glass of water in between each cocktail will help you manage as well.

3. Control the amount of food you put on your plate. The holidays are not the time to deny yourself the delight found in familiar and comforting foods. Think portion control instead. Consuming smaller amounts will allow you the pleasure of partaking in your favorite foods, and help you watch your diet.

4. Don’t just taste your food, savor it. Take a bite of one dish and before chewing, savor the taste, textures, temperature, and sensations created in your mouth. Now chew slowly, taking the time to relish every bite. Not only will you enjoy your food more, you’ll be taking in less.

5. Join the conversation. Put your fork down between bites and engage yourself in the dinner table conversation. You’ll walk away from the table feeling more in touch with your family and less stuffed than normal.
Eat, drink and be merry!