Thought for the Week
I developed the habit when I was in my 20s of eating very small portions. I’d done it a few times almost by accident, and discovered I liked chewing slowly and savoring the taste of thick, grainy breads, ripe peaches, almonds and Brazil nuts, steamed vegetables sprinkled with freshly-grated parmesan. It didn’t work with processed foods, though (white flour turns to school paste in the mouth), so at the same time I got into the habit of eating whole, “slow” foods. Without even trying, over the next six months I lost nearly fifty pounds of spare tire.
Sadly, a few years later, while touring with a comedy act, I began falling into the old pattern of consuming large amounts of processed foods–no savoring required (or desirable). I also relocated that spare tire I’d misplaced; one friend called me “Michelin.”
Now, once again I find myself striving to renounce the rubber and savor the flavor. Less is more: Small amounts of real foods fully savored are far more satisfying than over-sweetened, over-salted, over-priced styrofoods so quickly consumed that one never truly experiences them.
In fact, everything in life that is natural and healthy—friendships, family, serving others, loving our Creator—stands up to being savored. It’s the over-processed, repackaged pseudo-experiences that demand quick, thoughtless consumption. Savoring the flavors of life conditions us to seek more of the same, and before we know it we begin to shed the layers of fat that have insulated us from what is good and real and God-given.
We plough the fields, and scatter
The good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered
By God’s almighty hand;
He sends the snow in winter,
The warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine,
And soft refreshing rain.
We thank thee, then, O Father,
For all things bright and good,
The seed time and the harvest,
Our life, our health, our food:
No gifts have we to offer
For all thy love imparts,
But that which thou desirest,
Our humble, thankful hearts.
~Matthias Claudius (English adaptation by Jane Montgomery Campbell)
Words to live by, Mitch! God bless!
You too, Nancy!
This is so beautiful…and so true. Thank you for the lovely reminder:)
My privilege, Janet.
NICE POST 💖💓💚
BLESSED AND HAPPY AFTERNOON 🌞
GREETINGS 🇪🇸👋
You too, PK.
I can’t imagine a pudgy Mitch. Bless you for the encouragement.
;>) My pleasure, Joy.
Finding time to savor God can be hard, but it’s worth it. Food too.
Eating fresh, healthy food took 40 pounds off me, that has remained lost for over 10 years! And I give thanks every day to God for the food He provides, as well as much more that He provides, including sunshine and rain. God is generous!
Best. Diet. Ever. Janet!
And we’re back to Godspell, Mitch. I love that version of ‘we plough the fields and scatter’…
Me too, Malcolm. And, yes, I love the musical version from Godspell.
…and the joyful enthusiasm the show creates. Savouring the flavour indeed!
I absolutely LOVE this whole post. I have passed it along to several of my friends and clients who are also looking to shed a few “spare tires” and I will definitely use it to remind myself to focus on eating mindfully and savoring the good food God provides us! Thank you!
My pleasure, Caroll!
Yes, eat “real” food. The processed stuff is addicting like a drug.
I’m going to savor this wisdom by chewing slowly, dear Mitch.
God bless you! You have such a way with words when you share wisdom.
Aw, thanks, Karla.
It’s my blessing, Mitch!
When you describe it like this… I don’t even want those Cheetos anymore…
When you describe it like this… I don’t even want those Cheetos anymore…
Great reminder. I love it! And I am especially grateful to you for adding the word “styrofoods” to my vocabulary.
You’re welcome, Russell. ;>) Just googled the word. It seems I invented it — would there’d been no reason to.
Somehow I never learned to eat fast–am almost always the last one to finish at meals. Now I’m glad! Savoring is a much more satisfying way to eat/live!
Great analogy, Mitch. (And I recognized the song lyrics from “Godspell. ” 😊👍)
Yep, that was where I first became familiar with them, Annie. I’ve asked my wife to have it played at my memorial service.
Slow eater here and have been left at the table too many times to count (lol). Can’t do fast food in any way, and I promise … we aren’t missing anything! Sincerely doubt that Michelin tire, but a great visual had me laughing! Laughter loses calories! 😉
;>)
Indeed, savor the flavor! In food and life!
I so agree Mitch.
Processed foods are so readily available but not at all healthy. Good reminder!
Beautiful!
Thank you, Anonymous.
We grow a lot of our own food, Mitch. I love my garden. Fresh, home-grown produce is so much tastier than bought, and chemical and pesticide free! Keep up the good work!
Thanks, you too, Sandy!
So true. Savour the flavour, that’s a great tagline for my blog. Maybe I’ll steal it. Nothing beats enjoying every moment slowly.
Indeed, Alegria.
Beautiful post and you are very right! I think life is a combination of happiness and sorrow well shared 💐
A great reminder to slow down and take your time to savor the delights around us. Including natural food 🙂
Words of wisdom and truth to live by!
Ah, the slow life. There is a lot to be said for it, Mitch!!
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