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We've Forgotten Why We Eat

10/8/2018

4 Comments

 
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Start listening to the discussion around food; the words we use to describe it. You will hear little aside from comments about taste and satisfaction. "Yum" or "this is so good" or "tastes ok" or "definitely worth the calories."

What all of these have in common is their reference to taste, something that has become increasingly dominant in our idea of what makes good food. You may even hear healthy food---food that serves a useful propose to the function of our bodies---described with derision: "Ugh, this tastes healthy."

Even though we occasionally pay lip service to the value of eating healthy, we drift farther and farther from the understanding that we eat to keep our bodies alive. Instead we eat to simulate our senses with aromas and flavors. We eat what smells good and what tastes good. We go to restaurants expecting a delicious experience. Even if we go to a health food store or eatery, the measure of value is most often in the taste.

This relationship with food is bad for our minds.

(It is almost inappropriate to call it food since that's not why we put it in our mouth. We should call it "flavor swallow" or something that signifies its true use.) Every time we stimulate the senses, the mind is drawn outward, causing it to seek satisfaction externally. But this ends up making us eternally unhappy, because the senses can never give satisfaction. They only bring more sensory craving.


The way to happiness lies through resisting our sensory cravings until they become quiet. When our senses are quiet we can perceive things more clearly.

With food this means that we must resist our cravings for tasty food, at least in their disguise as "good" food.

Once we do this, our consumption of food becomes so much clearer. We understand eating as a process of nourishment, not of sensory simulation. We don't need to avoid all tasty things, we just need to recognize what they truly are.


P.S. We do our best to not offend. Really, we do. And we know the sensitivity of this issue. If this article strikes a tender spot in you or brings up emotion or anger, take just one millisecond to recognize that, and that is enough for today. We are on your side!
4 Comments
raena
10/8/2018 06:33:37 pm

“Flavor swallow” made me smile. I very much appreciate this post! Mindful eating is one of my biggest challenges. I do my best to find a balance of yum and nourishment, as someone who is psychically active, forages for wilds foods, loves to cook and who enjoys eating. I’m one of those people who loves vegetables, loves whole foods, tries to eat organic and non-processed foods. I think indulging in rich flavor swallows every once in a while is fine. But where I REALLY struggle is with emotional binge-ish eating. Something triggers me, and off I go, good food, bad food, bland food, doesn’t matter, I eat it all. Even during such episodes I recognize what’s happening and I don’t care, I eat anyway. Now, what’s up with THAT? Even just writing this I’m realizing some things about my relationship with food that are helpful. Thank you!

Reply
Sticky Henderson
10/9/2018 04:46:22 am

This is a great reminder... I gave up refined sugar in 2009 and have spent almost a decade now passing up all desserts (as well as most condiments and processed foods). I've sat at many a table listening to people make yummy sounds and little grunts of enjoyment over cakes, pies, squares and all manner of sweets. For the first few years it was really difficult. Now I look at sweets and no longer crave them, because the truth is, they are not food. If there is no nutritional value, then it isn't food... just Flavour Swallow - lol

Reply
Kim Swinkoski
10/9/2018 11:16:21 am

Thank you so so much for this post. When I first saw the title, I was delighted to see this topic addressed in your blog. I know I will regularly refer to it for strength and support. And..."flavor swallow"...brilliant.

Reply
Barry
12/20/2018 12:40:24 pm

Remind me not to ask you to a potluck anytime soon.

Reply



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    Scott & Ida are Yoga Acharyas (Masters of Yoga). They are scholars as well as practitioners of yogic postures, breath control and meditation. They are the head teachers of Ghosh Yoga.

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