Written by ARWB January 2012 Blogger of the Month, Lyndi Fultz of NWAFoodie.

As this new year broadcasts its frantic message of resolutions and fervent hopes for tomorrow, twitter and the blogosphere is abuzz with diet tips, calorie counters, and an overall confusion of diet, diet, diet, and denial.

A healthy diet doesn’t have to mean denial.

A healthy diet should mean eating for pleasure.

First, let’s talk about the word “pleasure.”  Webster defines “pleasure” as desire, inclination; a state of gratification; sensual gratification; frivolous amusement; a source of delight or joy. 

These are strong and healthy phrases.  Pause and dwell on them.

When we talk about eating for pleasure, it means that we should not focus on the guilt of eating.  Eating is a privilege and should be a source of delight or joy for us.

It’s all about mindset.

Sometimes we just need a little tweak or reminder of our priorities!

The RIGHT mindset when eating

1)     Slow down.
2)     Engage all of your senses.
3)     Consume half of what is on your plate.
4)     Savor by taking time to chew.
5)     Give thanks.

The WRONG mindset when eating

1)     Fret about calories.
2)     Fret about fat grams.
3)     Don’t pay attention to what just went into your mouth.
4)     Shove.
5)     Regret another dissatisfied meal.

Let’s face it.  We all have gone down the wrong mindset path a time or two.  But that’s okay because that was yesterday.  Today we start anew…

Which would you rather choose?

Eat well, my friends.  Eat well.

Lyndi

Lyndi of NWAFoodie is a girl who just happens to live in beautiful Northwest Arkansas. Much of her blogging inspiration comes from this gem of a place which she refers to as the proverbial land of milk-and-honey.