{HMW} Are you an external or internal eater?
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Dear Reader, The choices we make about what to eat are often influenced by factors beyond our conscious awareness. One such factor is mimetic desire, a concept introduced by French philosopher RenΓ© Girard. Mimetic desire suggests that our desires are not entirely our own; instead, they are shaped by observing and imitating others. This social phenomenon can deeply impact our eating preferences, leading us to crave foods that we see others enjoying rather than what our bodies truly need or desire. Constantly following external signals can lead to a disconnection from our authentic cravings and nutritional needs. This disconnection can result in a less satisfying and less nourishing eating experience. Have you ever noticed that you tend to eat faster when dining with someone who eats quickly, or that you choose similar foods as those around you? This is the work of mirror neurons at play, guiding our actions based on the behaviors we observe. This unconscious mirroring can lead us to adopt eating habits that may not align with our personal needs or pace. So, how can we tune into our authentic cravings and break free from these social influences? Here are a few steps to consider: Mindful Eating: Slow down and pay attention to your bodyβs signals. Notice how different foods make you feel before, during, and after eating. Personal Reflection & Values: Take a moment to consider why you want a particular food. Are you truly hungry for it, or is there an external influence at play? Conscious Dining: Observe your eating speed and choices. Make a deliberate effort to eat at a pace that feels natural for you and select foods based on your personal preferences, not just what others are having. By becoming more attuned to our authentic desires, we can make food choices that are more fulfilling and healthy. This not only nourishes our bodies but also supports our mental well-being by fostering a sense of true satisfaction and alignment with our inner selves. Have it: Interesting Article Alert: 5 Labs Every Woman 40+ Should Be Getting & Why Your Doctor Probably Isn't Ordering Themβ βThis interactive decision and priority making chart was very helpful! Made it: β5-Senses Sundayβ Pandemic cooking videos, the recreated smell of 16th-century hell, yodeling in a fountain, and 20 minutes of fireworks that felt like one long finale. This week's 5-Senses Sunday is live!
Want it: βThis is such a lovely idea and I want to set some time aside to answer some of these questions each week. I'm headed to Philadelphia this week to visit one of my closest friends from high school. I lived in Philly from 2001-2003 while in grad school. I'm excited to revisit Reading Terminal Market. Where else should we go? Recommendations welcome! Ingredient Spotlight: Basil Basil was the first green food I tried as a kid that I actually liked. What was this mysterious leafy green that wasn't bland and tasted amazing in my sandwiches? Fresh basil is sweet and a little peppery, with a bright anise note that can be missed without savoring it. It has some of the same aromatic compounds researchers connect to calming effects when inhaled, which might explain why walking into a kitchen full of it feels good before you've eaten a bite. Some ways to use it: (it's best in the summer!) πΏ Tear it over tomatoes with olive oil and flaky salt. πΏ Blend a quick pesto with whatever nuts you have on hand, even walnuts work fine πΏ Steep torn leaves in warm olive oil for 10 minutes, then drizzle over anything πΏ Add Thai basil at the very last minute to a stir-fry or noodle soup πΏ Freeze chopped basil in olive oil in an ice cube tray for winter Announcements & Upcoming: βThe Motherhood Unfiltered Bundleβ If your body has already clocked that back-to-school season is coming and started bracing, you're not imagining it. That's your nervous system doing its job a little too well. I'm contributing my Nervous System Regulation Toolkit, a nervous system regulation tool, to this year's Motherhood Unfiltered Bundle: The School Run Edition. It's built for the moms who need something that works in real time, not a wellness routine that assumes you have a spare hour. The bundle includes over 55 gifts from 57 creators across nervous system support, mindset, meal planning, home organization, financial wellness, and parenting support. Total value: over $1,400. Cost: free, from July 7 to 20. Go grab what resonates.
Extra Bytes: What I'm Reading: The Calamity Club, by Katherine Stockett What I'm Watching: Colin From Accounts (season 2) What I'm Listening to: This is your Brain on Hormones (a fascinating podcast episode) What I'm Eating: Summer Squash Mafaldine with Black beans, plant-based mozzarella, pepitasβ That's it for me this week. I hope you all have a happy and healthy hump day! Warmly, Jenny |