{HMW} You might be hungrier for belonging than for whatever's on the plate

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 René Girard. Mimetic desire suggests that our desires are not entirely our own. Instead, they are shaped by observing and imitating others. This can deeply impact our eating preferences, leading us to crave foods we see others enjoying rather than what our bodies truly need or desire.

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? That's mirror neurons at work, guiding our actions based on the behaviors we observe. This unconscious mirroring can lead us to adopt eating habits that don't actually align with our own needs or pace.

So how can we tune into our authentic cravings and break free from these social influences?

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​A few steps to consider:

Mindful eating: slow down and pay attention to your body's signals. Notice how different foods make you feel before, during, and after eating.Personal reflection: 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 own preferences, not just what everyone else is having.

Becoming more attuned to our authentic desires helps us make food choices that are more fulfilling and healthy. It nourishes our bodies and supports our mental well-being too, creating a real sense of satisfaction and alignment with our inner selves.

Thoughts?

Have it:

Interesting article alert: How Circadian Rhythm impacts Metabolic Health (also what we're covering in today's mindful lounge!

Just learned about this app called Wakeout that helps you build in exercise "snacks" throughout your day using the element of play and healthy competition.

Made it:

​5-Senses Sunday​

This week's 5-Senses Sunday is a full sensory account of a traditional Indian wedding in Pennsylvania: medu vada dipped in three chutneys, jasmine garlands that smelled like fresh florals from a distance but something creamier and headier up close, dancing to Indian-inspired music, the ceremony's tactile rituals (including a coconut held jointly by the entire family as a symbol of their union), and enough color in the saris and dresses to carry you through a grey week.

Read this week's edition of 5-senses Sunday here.

Want it:

Been meaning to get more reusable paper towels...these are so cute!

​Polygons - for when you need an ace kitchen tool, but also enjoy the tactile fun of holding and manipulating items while you cook. Seriously, had no idea this even existed and there are so many uses for it! Great stocking stuffer gift idea too.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Red Curry Paste

I used to think I was too wimpy to try red curry paste because I imagined my mouth spontaneously igniting into fire from the spiciness. It wasn't until I tried the most divine Thai soup at a restaurant that I realized most red curry paste can be made mild or medium. Once you get past that hurdle, it adds a wonderful richness to any dish, especially when paired with coconut milk.

Most of the flavor comes from the chiles and aromatics, so a small spoonful covers a whole pot. The paste is salty, so taste your dish before you add more salt. Capsaicin is the compound in chiles that creates the heat, and most people find their tolerance shifts with regular exposure.

If you check out this reddit thread, you'll get a lot of interesting ideas about how to incorporate red curry paste into many of your dishes.

Announcements & Upcoming:

​Thriving through Perimenopause Summit

I am personally inviting you to join me for this incredible event! Thrive Through Perimenopause & Beyond is a FR*EE Virtual Speaker Series starting soon and I’m honored to be a featured speaker!
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This event is created for women who are confused and frustrated with the changes in their bodies, energy crashes, weight gain, altered mood, and just want to feel like themselves again.

This is for women who are ready to take control of their own health, understand why their body is changing, and learn specific actions from leading health experts to feel like themselves again.

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Extra Bytes:

What I'm Reading: The Pirate Queen, by Ariel Lawhon

What I'm Watching: Reruns of the original Sex and the City ​

What I'm Listening to: The Best of Bollywood Spotify playlist​

What I'm Eating: Thai Noodle Soup with Red curry, crispy mushrooms​

That's it for me this week. I hope you all have a happy and healthy hump day!

Warmly,

Jenny