MINDFUL EATING: KEEPING OUR MEALTIMES POSITIVE K12 FRESH K12 CONTENT FROM
HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR CREATING A DINING ATMOSPHERE THAT FOSTERS MINDFULNESS, WHICH CAN PROMOTE RELAXATION, REJUVENATION AND OVERALL WELL-BEING.
M indful eating is the practice of being fully present and aware during a meal. We of- ten find ourselves shoveling a snack into our bodies, only to look down and realize somehow, the whole bag of pretzels is gone. Being mindful while eating includes focusing on the feelings, flavors, thoughts, and emotions that arise during the process of eating. It means paying attention to the colors, textures, flavors, and smells of food, as well as being aware of hun- ger and satiety cues. It can help us ap- preciate our food more, be in tune with our bodies, avoid overeating and can help improve digestion. It also helps us relax and disengage from other stress- ful things happening in our world. School and college food service op- erators can incorporate elements of mindfulness in a space to create a calm- ing and relaxing atmosphere for stu- dents. This can include: QUIET SPACES Consider designating specific areas within your dining hall as a quiet zone. Anyone looking for a quiet, distrac- tion-free environment can go here. MINDFUL EATING PRACTICES Educate students about the principles of mindful eating and encourage them to practice it during mealtimes. This can involve simple exercises such as taking a few deep breaths before eating, BY ANNELISE MCAULIFFE SOARES
trucking and cooking the food? How do you think this food was created or grown? Where do you think this food came from? It’s a great moment to en- courage gratitude for the people who grow and cook our food. And we all know that gratitude is good for our mental health! CREATE THE SPACE Are you refreshing your dining area over the summer? Make the space into a haven for mindfulness! Use calming colors. (Calm doesn’t have to be bor- ing!) Show food in its natural state that highlights where food comes from. Maybe you have a school garden, this is also a great reminder of where food comes from and asks us to slow down and be present. BRING YOUR TEAM ON BOARD Not sure where to start? Start with your team. Take a moment as you huddle at the start of the day to take a deep breath as a group. Ask the team what ingredients they are excited to work with today. Or what they had for break- fast. Perhaps you have a meal together during the day, share some mindful eating practices and benefits with the group and see what they think. If your team is calm, it will spread throughout the space.
chewing slowly and savoring each bite, and paying attention to the sensations of hunger and fullness. Provide eaters with resources that explain how to slow down, clue into all five senses and be present while chewing. It doesn’t have to be practiced during the entire meal, but even a few bites can provide a help- ful reset. EAT MINDFULLY WITH OTHERS Mindful eating doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Encourage students and facul- ty to engage with others and talk about what foods the people around them are eating and enjoying, or what they don’t like so much. THINK OF THE WHOLE SUPPLY CHAIN As a foodservice operator, you know a lot about where food comes from. Do your diners? Post prompts around the dining area that ask eaters to consider what it took to put their food on their plate. How many people were involved in growing, harvesting, processing,
during the process of eating." “
Being mindful while eating includes focusing on the feelings, flavors, thoughts, and emotions that arise
Q2 2024
FSD QUARTERLY
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PHOTO COURTESY OF ADOBE STOCK
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