Hello, Better Normal community! Markets are bursting at the seams with fresh produce, fruits, and herbs throughout summer. Now is the ideal moment to adopt a mindful eating practice and increase your intake of seasonal, local produce. Making deliberate dietary choices and residing in the present moment are components of mindful eating. It’s about learning to value the origins of your food, the way it nourishes your body, and the flavors and emotions it evokes. Here, we’ll look at some delicious recipes that make the most of summer’s bounty and provide advice on how to eat mindfully throughout the season, particularly during get-togethers and special occasions.
1. Embrace Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
There are so many alternatives for fresh food during the summer. Combining them into your meals not only improves flavor but also increases your intake of vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Examples of these are juicy berries, sharp greens, and tasty tomatoes.
- Recipe Idea: Summer Berry Salad with Mint
- Ingredients: Mixed summer berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), fresh mint, lemon juice, honey, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
- Method: Toss the berries with a drizzle of honey and lemon juice. Garnish with chopped mint and crumbled feta cheese for a refreshing summer salad.
2. Hydrate Creatively
In the summer heat, staying hydrated is essential, but who says it has to be boring? To add some excitement, infuse your water with a blend of fruits, veggies, and herbs.
- Recipe Idea: Cucumber Basil Water
- Ingredients: Slices of cucumber, fresh basil leaves, ice, and water.
- Method: Fill a pitcher with water, add cucumber slices, fresh basil leaves, and ice. Let it infuse for at least an hour before serving.
3. Mindful Grilling
Grilling is a summertime staple, but it can be healthier and more pleasurable if you eat mindfully. Choose seafood, plant-based meals, or lean meats and serve them with vibrant veggie skewers.
- Recipe Idea: Grilled Veggie and Halloumi Skewers
- Ingredients: Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and halloumi cheese.
- Method: Cut the vegetables and halloumi into bite-sized pieces. Thread them onto skewers, brush lightly with olive oil, and season with herbs and spices. Grill until charred and tender.
4. Slow Down and Savor
Mindful eating isn’t just about what you eat; it’s also about how you eat. During summer gatherings, practice eating slowly and savoring each bite to enhance your sensory experience.
- Tip: Try setting your utensils down between bites to prolong your meal and really taste each mouthful.
5. Be Present at Picnics and Parties
It’s simple to overindulge during joyous events. Try to be totally present at the next party or picnic you attend. Pay attention to the tastes and textures of your meal, as well as the signals your body gives you when it is hungry or full. Also, try to really be in the present moment, conversations, and debates.
- Tip: Serve yourself smaller portions to start. You can always go back for more if you’re genuinely still hungry.
6. Cultivate Gratitude During Summer
Take a moment to express gratitude for your food and its sources. This practice can deepen your connection to your meals and the people you share them with.
- Activity: Start a summer meal with a short moment of gratitude, where everyone shares something they’re grateful for.
Conclusion
Eating with awareness can change your connection with food and is a pleasurable discipline. Let’s take advantage of the season’s freshness this summer to develop an awareness of our eating habits by relishing each meal and the moments that accompany it. These suggestions and dishes will assist you in eating more mindfully and joyously, whether you’re dining by yourself or throwing a summer feast 🙂
