Can you enjoy healthy eating? Some people seem to think that healthy eating is some kind of punishment. On the contrary, it's a pleasure! There are so many delicious dishes that can be made with less fat and sugar. It's a new world to discover. When I go out for dinner or cook in my own kitchen I often choose a vegetarian meal. There are lots of different ingredients to choose from and the combination possibilities are almost endless. Sometimes I just pick a few products in the store without having any idea of what to do with them and then I surprise myself with a new tasty dish. It's fun! Use your imagination. Eat what you enjoy and enjoy what you eat! You don't have to exclude meat in your food, but we all need much more vegetables. We should try to see the vegetables not just as accompaniments, but as a meal in itself, with its own value.
Relax!
Try to give yourself time in the kitchen. You need to slow down and be free from stress to be able to enjoy eating. Think of your time in the kitchen as an important part of your day. Make your kitchen a place where you can relax and feel comfortable. Make it nice, put a cloth on the table and some flowers. Light candles. Many people seem to want to get out of the kitchen as soon as possible. If you feel that way, you won't be able to enjoy your meal. Be present, focus on the meal, don't watch TV or read any paper or magazine while you're eating. Enjoy the food, see how it looks, feel the appetizing smell and taste of it.
Eat slowly!
When you are enjoying something you want it to last long, right? Eat slowly, take your time to enjoy every bite. Chew it well. When you eat slowly like this you will notice that your body will tell you when it's time to finish. You will know when you are content and you can avoid eating too much. Stop eating when you feel content even if there is still food on your plate.
Make a small lifestyle change!
When you go to a restaurant next time, order something new that you haven't tried before. Next time you go to the store, buy some low fat or light products that you haven't tried. Find out if they really are as boring as you might think they are. Maybe you'll be surprised. Maybe you will find new favourites and get new ideas for delicious meals to enjoy! Then you have made a small lifestyle change. And all major achievements start with the first step.
Ingela Berger started her own Internet business Lifestyle Plans http://www.lifestyleplans.com in 2003 out of a desire to inspire and encourage others to make reality of their dreams of a personal, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Ingela has studied theatre directing, history of art, and leadership psychology. After some years working with art exhibitions and the theatre she is now back at school to become a health and lifestyle consultant.