Healthy Eating Tip: It’s all about Location

In honor of National Nutrition Month®, my colleague Bridget Swinney shares her tip to help you savor the flavor of eating right.

Location, Location, Location…though the phrase is most often used to describe real estate value, it can also make a powerful impact on how much we enjoy our food. We feel more satisfied with what we’re eating if we enjoy it with all our senses. When we eat in a location where we can’t completely savor the flavors, the food isn’t as filling, which can lead to overeating. Thus, where you eat can make a difference to your waistline and your health!

Take for example, the mom who drinks her morning smoothie in the car. Caught up in her kids’ banter and paying attention to the morning traffic, she hardly tastes the smoothie, even though it’s her favorite flavor. Not feeling completely satisfied, she gives into the temptation of a pastry at the corner bakery on her way home.

Eat with all of your senses

Some locations are particularly distracting to the art of eating. The movie theater for example: we are so engrossed in watching that we hardly notice eating the popcorn—until it’s gone! Sitting at a table where we can really focus on the look, smell, texture and taste of our food sets us up for premium enjoyment, (especially if we have all screens turned off.) Here are a few more tips to enjoy the taste of eating right:

• If you must eat while on the road, pull off for a few minutes and make the most of a nice view or relaxing music.
• Avoid eating at locations where there are distractions—in front of a TV, tablet or phone.
• If you find yourself eating too fast to really enjoy your food, eat smaller pieces of food, put the fork down between bites, and eat with intention.
• Set up your eating space so that it’s inviting—including comfy seating, appealing lighting, and a clutter-free space.
• Serve up a plate that has eye-appeal—colorful fruits and veggies, foods that have a variety of colors, shapes and textures.
• Next time you eat, think about location for the most enjoyable and delicious eating experience.

Bridget Swinney is a registered dietitian, culinary nutritionist and family nutrition expert. A frequent speaker and media guest, she is the author of three books: Eating Expectantly, Healthy Food for Healthy Kids, and Baby Bites. You can find more about Bridget at @BridgetTxRD and @EatRightMama.