Eating and drinking are among the basic needs of every human being. We usually eat foods and dishes preferred by us several times a day. With the nutrients they contain, we nourish our bodies and minds. But food is much more than the mere intake of nutrients. For us, eating means quality of life, conveys pleasure and joy, and has to do with all aspects of enjoyment.
What does my eating behavior look like?
Before you delve deeper into the art of pleasurable eating, take some time to self-critically answer the following questions:
- How many meals do you eat per day?
- How much time do you allow per meal?
- Do you prepare the meals yourself?
- Do you use mostly fresh produce or do you tend to resort to convenience foods?
- Do you sometimes cook together with your partner or the whole family?
- How often do you try new dishes or meals?
- How often do you eat with your family?
- Do you make sure that the table is nicely set and that there is a pleasant atmosphere?
- How often do you have the TV on during dinner?
Enjoy with all senses
By enjoyment we mean a positive sensory sensation associated with physical and mental well-being. Enjoyment involves at least one of our sensory organs. We enjoy the sight of a beautiful art object, we listen with pleasure to an opera aria. In the case of culinary pleasures, all our senses even play a role. Sight, touch, hearing, taste and smell all contribute in equal measure to making eating and drinking a pleasurable experience.
A good meal is not only determined by the quality of the food alone, but also by the way it is presented. In addition to the tasty preparation of the dishes, eating also includes, among other things, the decoration, table manners and rituals. All of these together make up the dining culture.
