Have you ever watched a child at mealtime? Children like to explore every aspect of the food on their plate. As adults, we often eat like a robot. Our mind is on something other than the food we are eating. We could benefit from eating more like children.
Do the following:
When preparing a meal or ordering a meal in a restaurant, plan it so that your plate will be visually appealing. Consider the color combination of the food you plan to cook or order. A plate that has brilliant orange carrots, vibrant green broccoli, and golden potatoes looks much more appealing than a plate that is filled with navy beans, creamed potatoes, and chicken breasts.
You should also consider the texture of the foods you are eating. Children often pick up their food to explore how it feels. That isn't exactly appropriate for most adult situations. However, you should still take time to observe how the food feels when you bite into it. Chew slowly. Enjoy each different texture.
The aroma of the food is also important. Aroma is so important that just the smell of a certain food can bring back memories of special meals shared with family and friends many years ago. As you bring your fork to your mouth take a second to inhale the aroma of the food before it disappears into your mouth.
Being consciously aware of the foods you eat during a meal will allow you to enjoy the food in more ways than one. Not only will the food satisfy your hunger it can brighten the moment with its colorful beauty or it can bring back pleasant memories with its pleasant aroma.