Healthy Hint #1: Enjoy Your food

Hello friends!  Welcome to my very first post on my blog Helaine's Healthy Hints.  Let me start by saying it's time to STOP THE MADNESS!  I think we all need to take a step back from the incessant chatter and debate on which are the BEST foods to eat and which is the BEST diet.  The science on diets is constantly evolving so today's prince may be tomorrow's pariah.  What we need to focus on, what I find is lacking among people, is the pure simple enjoyment in the experience of eating.  We eat succulent salmon, not omega 3 fatty acids.  We savor a creamy yogurt parfait, not calcium and vitamin D.  What I find all too often is that people are so concerned about what they should be eating (something they assume won't be satisfying because it's, you know, healthy) that they can't enjoy what they do choose to eat.  For god's sake, if you're going to order that cheeseburger (and of course, I hope you don't) savor every bite like it's your last.  Allow yourself to experience the flavor, texture, and aroma.  Take small bites and chew slowly.  Take notice of when your hunger abates so you can stop eating before that sickening overeating feeling sets in, so often followed by guilt and regret.  Yes, it is OK to leave food on your plate!  In fact, I recommend it as an exercise to break people of the "empty plate" habit.  Try it at your next meal.  Be present.  Eat mindfully.  Appreciate your food.  And this may sound radical coming from a dietitian nutritionist, but the occasional cheeseburger can be part of a healthy diet.  Hope to hear from you soon.  I invite you to share what you think is the best or worst food trend.