A class attendee recently asked me how she can resist eating cooked food when her husband prepares something and the smell wafts through the house filling her nose with delight. As I listened to her question, I wondered why the connection between smelling and eating was being made. I mean, do we always have to connect the two? Or can we truly engage and use our senses….sensibly?
Any wine connoisseur will tell you that tasting begins in the nose. The bouquet of a fine wine awakens the taste buds. Great chefs will tell you that presentation counts. Yet how often do we really take a lot of time to notice the smell or look of food before eating?
(Used with permission Source )
Fluffy (or Buddy) knows when you’re opening that can of pet food. For them, the sound creates excitement. Another attendee at that same class told me that when his children hear the blender they actually ask “Dad, are you making a green smoothie? Can I have one?”
Some studies show that our sense of smell is the strongest one for bringing back memories. Does the scent remind you of a vacation? someone you dated? a family gathering? Maybe the feeling associated with that memory is what you really want.
Enjoy the feelings and memories without enjoying the food.
When you smell great food, enjoy the smell. Breathe deeply. Notice what it feels like to have a scent inhaled into your body. You may notice if your nostrils are clear, or not, or if one side is and another not. You may notice what feelings arise for you.
How can you resist eating when a yummy smell is present? By honoring your senses. Notice the smell. Enjoy it for what it is: just as you would do for a rose or perhaps a new baby (or new car). I invite you to spend some time getting to know all of your senses and exploring how they relate to your food habits. Enjoy the sweet smell of success.
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