Food and Joy

My post content

Did you know that eating crunchy food releases the feel good chemical dopamine in your brain? That’s because it hits multiple pleasure spots in your brain at the same time—sound, texture, and emotion.

When foods are crunchy, it represents freshness and enhances flavor. The fact that crunchy food changes its consistency signals the brain that it’s a bit unpredictable and the brain likes that novelty. Crunching on food releases tension in the jaw, which decreases stress. It makes eating feel more interactive and increases satisfaction. Slowing down makes the enjoyment last longer.

I was blown away when I went to Italy a couple of years ago. Italians, and the French for that matter, TAKE THEIR TIME EATING. I was in Montepulchiano and I met some friends for “dinner”. It started off by meeting at 4pm for drinks and appetizers at an open cafe. At 6:30, we went to a restaurant. We left at 12:30 a.m., 6 hours later! Wow!! So dinner lasted 8 ½ hours.

As Hawaiians, we also love our food, but we do not have 8 hour dinners. I was surprised that it didn’t feel long. Everyone was getting to know each other, trying new foods, resting, drinking wine, and allowing time to make room for more food! It was a joyful and memorable experience. Our other dinners were “only” 4 hours, ha!

I think Americans in general are way too busy. The luxury of taking your time to eat is wonderful; a gift, really. Try it. Even if it’s one day a week, plan on spending a full hour to enjoy your food. Relax. I highly recommend it!..