As you know, mindfulness is a critical aspect of healing. But have you heard of mindful eating? In a world where most accessible foods are processed, it can be tough to eat mindfully by choosing healthier, more nutritious options.
Processed foods lack nutrition
When you eat a diet primarily consisting of processed foods, you may not be getting optimal nutrition from your food. Processed foods have also been tied to an increased cancer risk, so you might be ready to change the way you think about preparing meals for your family. Start by eliminating processed food and appreciating the natural flavors of fresher choices. Below you will get a look at the ways to bring out the best flavors in your food and ensure better health through more nutritionally dense meals.
Be aware of food texture
The various textures of foods should not be overlooked when it comes to creating pleasing flavors for your palate. Foods without much textural variation like soup can be livened up with the addition of crunch from chia seeds, flax, and hemp hearts. Adding textural variation can enhance the flavors of your food and keep you interested in eating healthier foods and increase your awareness of what you are eating.
Explore pairings of distinctive flavors
Knowing how to match flavors with one another will let you get more creative with the same set of ingredients so that you enjoy every meal you prepare. To get a better understanding of how flavors pair with one another, you might experiment with some contrasting elements like hot peppers and sweet fruits. Fresh herbs can also liven up foods by infusing earthy, aromatic flavors into each dish and reducing the need for salt and fat to flavor your food.
Use ingredients in their purest form
Simplifying recipes and using only whole, organically produced foods will be the healthiest strategy for making more mindful meals at home. When you are more aware of where your food comes from, you will be better able to ensure good nutrition for yourself and your family.
Take control of your health by starting with mindful meals. When you have greater awareness of your body and what you’re eating, you create a clearer pathway to living healthier. At the Optimum Health Institute, mindful eating is a core aspect of our holistic healing program. We use 24 ancient spiritual disciplines to design a curriculum that promotes natural healing from the inside out. Call OHI at (800) 588-0809 or visit www.OptimumHealth.org today for more information.