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WELL-BEING

jas

POSTED: Sun, 01/01/2012 - 10:57am

slow eating

What helps you to slow down and enjoy eating and your day more?

Darcie

POSTED: Sat, 01/28/2012 - 4:46am I should learn to slow down I should learn to slow down my eating, too... The problem is that as I'm living alone (I'm a student) it's often boring to eat without table conversation. (It's the same with cooking my own meals. For a long time, I barely ate any homemade food because I didn't feel like cooking only for myself. Since I started recasting, I have changed my habits, although most of the meals I've cooked are really simple and easy.) So not eating in front of computer or while reading book is a bit of a challenge for me. But I hope I will learn to eat slowly and enjoy the meal even though I'm eating alone.

tia

POSTED: Thu, 03/22/2012 - 6:15pm Hey I am also a student and I really feel with you, because I used to live alone and it can get really depressing to eat alone. But I got through and you will too! What I used to do was inviting my friends several times. I tried to make lunch or dinner and called my them. That was awesome, because I also felt the need to make something special, because it was an invitation - three dishes (which was totally new for me in the beginning!). I tried a lot of new recipes which was awesome. And everyone liked it. The best was - because of talking you automatically eat slow. Well, it's not easy to buy that much food all the time, so me and my friends shared the money that I spent for buying the food and that made everything perfect in the end. When the weather is good outside I sometimes eat in the garden. It's nice to have a sunny atmosphere around you and for me it's the best I can do! And that worked for me since today. For example I met a friend for lunch. I ate an aubergine filled with onions and tomatoes and parsley (so delicious) and my friend had to wait until I finished and that's how it always goes with us two :).

JSB

POSTED: Sat, 01/28/2012 - 1:39pm Hello Darcie If I haven't said hello and a big welcome let me do it now.It is great to have you with us.You are facing your challenge very well.Being alone is not pleasant at meal time.I lived alone off and on over many years and felt as you did about cooking.Now my sister and I share a place and it makes a huge difference.Also,The Pleasure of Cooking for One by Judith Jones is a nice cookbook.She worked with Julia Child.You might find it at your public library.Also,any of Mireille's receipes are simple and delicious.Keep up the good work.OXO Jean

Darcie

POSTED: Sat, 01/28/2012 - 2:04pm Thank you Jean! It's so nice Thank you Jean! It's so nice to be here, I'm so happy to have found this community. Everyone seems so lovely and supportive... and French, too :). I have to find that Judith Jones book! I used to live with my (now ex) boyfriend, and cooking for two was so much more interesting, and especially eating in company. Sigh. I definitely don't want a relationship right now, but I am missing some aspects of it.

JSB	POSTED: Sat, 01/28/2012 - 6:16pm You are welcome Darcie My ex-husband was a Chef and we ate well.The rest wasn't great ,ergo he is ex.LOL.But I do know what you mean about missing certain aspects of a relationship.Another great guy will come along for you.Take care.oxo

Viva la Diva

POSTED: Fri, 01/06/2012 - 4:52pm Very much in need of the slow Very much in need of the slow down over here again. Jas, as for talking with teenagers, what are their interests? What are they passionate about? We often discuss politics, weather, the news, and everyone's day. Asking what they think about something is helpful, and if they shrug or say they don't know, let them know you would love to hear what they think the next night. We often put dinner music on as well, which helps with any silences! I really need to slow down again and STOP watching tv while I eat. How does that little offender with big impact always creep back in anayway? Well, so for the next week, I will stop and allow lunch at the table back in! Today was about a lot of water....so dehydrated was I! Thanks for the topic!

jas	POSTED: Sat, 01/07/2012 - 9:12am I'll try diva I'll try some of these topics...thanks Diva

Elizabeth G

POSTED: Sat, 01/07/2012 - 2:07pm Music and movies! When my sons were teenagers, these were two topics that we all were interested in discussing.

Marilyn

POSTED: Sun, 01/08/2012 - 8:17am Girls Girls also love music and movies. And clothes and literature and of course the inevitable 'boys'!!!!

MrsHonniB

POSTED: Fri, 01/06/2012 - 9:19am Dinnertime Is still at the table in my family 5 days a week and even the other meals are when we're home together, so we had familybrakfast and lunch during the holidays too, and I always cook, but on friday the kids can have Pizza in front of the TV and on saturday it's hard to find time to all sit together so I most times have a nice soup and everybody can eat when they feel like. In my problem families that's the first what I let the parents change.....to get the family dinner time back, at the table, no TV and time to sit and connect with the kids again. It's easy and it works too!

kit	POSTED: Sat, 01/07/2012 - 2:04am Nice to see you here! Love the soup idea, maybe a crock-pot where family can help themselves!:)Tina

JSB	POSTED: Fri, 01/06/2012 - 5:05pm Delighted to see you here.Mised you a lot.OXO Jean

Marilyn

POSTED: Fri, 01/06/2012 - 3:31pm MrsHB Welcome back, you are another who has been missed. How are you? Is all well over there?

jas

POSTED: Fri, 01/06/2012 - 11:13am Mrs HonniB I haven't seen you here in forever, MrsHonniB, welcome back. Family dinners....ummmm, I am learning this too as I spend winter with my Sister and neice and nephew. I'm not that great though on making conversation with a 14 yr old boy and an 11 year old girl...any suggestions?

MrsHonniB

POSTED: Sat, 01/07/2012 - 10:41am Thanks ladies! I'm still reading here now and then when I'm in need of some inspiration to stay on the right path. But I do spend alot of time crafting these days, mixed media, artsy stuff. And I've been cooking alot of Nigella's recipes lately,the kids love it and eating 50/50 plus adding veggies , it don't seem to hurt me...... Conversation with a 14yr old boy and 11 yr old girl.....mmmm, at that age they are very into themselves so you probably have to start a subject they like, My sons always like to talk sports, so I asked about their latest games and my girls are into movies and we always talk about a good subject for schoolpapers, things from their world and I tell them about something funny that happened on my job....still we chat alot at my house over dinner,and I have to make sure the youngest get a chance to say something too.....

kit

POSTED: Fri, 01/06/2012 - 12:45am Again, Thank you Jas for this interesting thread. And so nice to see that we all are practicing the return of the "civilized" dinner, for me most of the time. I try to turn on music and really taste the food. And of course it's so much nicer to eat and converse. We usually eat side by side out of habit, but moving across from each other actually encourages conversation!! Who knew? Good for us!!

JSB

POSTED: Thu, 01/05/2012 - 6:05pm Mes soeurs This is a lovely thread.It is pleasing to know family dinner still happens.It is a must for health and a good family life.Slowing it down is a skill I have yet to learn.Years of wolfing down food at the hospital has become a well ingrained habit.Having my sister to eat meals with is a gift and I am slowly shifting gears to enjoying my meals.Thanks for you thoughts.OXO

kit	POSTED: Fri, 01/06/2012 - 12:49am Happy for you Jean, So great you have your sister to share lovely meals with. I of course understand the wolfing down food syndrome, perfected in the "relaxed"(LOL)breakroom setting:)

Marilyn

POSTED: Thu, 01/05/2012 - 6:47pm Mon ami I am so pleased you are enjoying the companionship your sister has brought. You will learn the art of slowing down with her. To sit and talk together as you enjoy freshly prepared food will bring you joy. Despite all the problems OH and I have we still take the time to sit around the table for our meals, without this I think the problems would be greater.

JSB	POSTED: Thu, 01/05/2012 - 7:00pm Beautiful!! OXO to you.

yogamomma

POSTED: Thu, 01/05/2012 - 11:08am Turning off the TV Which has been difficult with two sports fans in the house, it seems the TV is on 24/7... My husband actually doesn't come home early enough for dinner 3-4 nights a week, so my 9 year old and I are starting to actually sit at the breakfast table (no TV). We TALK. I put down my fork between bites. And I am getting my son to eat new things. He is adventurous when it comes to food anyway (he LOVES sushi and sashimi, tapas, etc), but last night he actually liked the slice of brie I served for dessert! Woo hoo! =) Erin

jas	POSTED: Thu, 01/05/2012 - 1:47pm very cool Yeah, Erin, it is nice to sit at a table and talk. Too often during my season I'm eating on the run. Even now I have to focus on sitting down and eating. It feels so much better when I do.

bren67

POSTED: Thu, 01/05/2012 - 5:11pm I so agree! Families sitting around the table at anytime anymore is a rare thing in this new culture... I remember all those times of family time at the table was so nice,quiet,and a time to say grace for what we had,and to really talk face to face with your family! It is still that way in our home,most the time..Makes me feel good to have the peace and quiet of that time! Bren

jas

POSTED: Sun, 01/01/2012 - 11:01am slowing down I'm noticing a new experience in myself. First I have to give some needed background. I started doing Chi Gong, almost daily 2 + weeks ago. I got a video that I use. The focus is on building vitality though gentle, slow moving and long deep breathing. I've done yoga and dance on and off for years. I experience Chi Gong as very different. With food (and I suppose life) I've always been a really fast eater...I gobble stuff down barely tasting. I've been noticing though this new practice is helping me eat slowly, breathe more as I am eating and even allow more emptiness in me during the day. We will see if it continues.

jas	POSTED: Mon, 01/02/2012 - 9:30pm Any other thoughts? Anyone else have thoughts on this?

kit

POSTED: Tue, 01/03/2012 - 2:08am Dear Jas, Great topic, Jas, at the heart of FWDGF really. Your program sounds great,good for you! FW is all about our senses, savoring the good things in life. I usually still bolt down food at work, but try to have unrushed dinner times. I sometimes use the "good stuff", silver,china,linen napkins--what am I saving them for anyway? And no tv when we eat. And putting down utensils between bites. The older I get, I realize I don't REALLY need that much food and can be satisfied with less(usually) Trying to connect more spiritually as well. You know, in 5 years will this(silly thing I'm obsessing over)still matter. And a few minutes to count my blessings. And lastly,a cup of tea in bed, then sleep! The laundry will be there tomorrow! Be well,hugs to you! Tina

jas	POSTED: Tue, 01/03/2012 - 10:13am Senses I was noticing my senses this morning. The sound of the heater running, the smell of just simple air, the touch of the keys on the computer. The tastes of my green smoothie...life is different when I am aware of senses. I enjoyed reading your post Tina.

kit	POSTED: Tue, 01/03/2012 - 11:37pm Hi Jas, And I enjoy yours, have a lovely day!!