I’ve always found it so curious how the manner in which our food is served can seriously impact how satisfying it is. Key factors to a satisfying meal (in my opinion):
- Tiny bites vs. a single mass of food
- Voluminous food vs. dense food
By tiny bites vs. a single mass of food, I mean that I find a sandwich cut into fours instead of left whole so much more pleasing. It takes longer to eat, giving me more time to enjoy the flavor of my food. I’d also rather eat many tiny portions of a variety of foods than 1 large portion of the same food.
By voluminous food vs. dense food, I mean that I’d rather eat a plate filled with 250 calories of fruits and veggies than a 250-calorie sliver of pie. I feel like I’m getting more bang for my "buck" and, again, it takes me longer to consume. Of course, voluminous foods typically have a higher water and fiber content than dense foods, which also increases satiety.
Today’s lunch was a perfect example of a satisfying meal:
I had: a small plum, two pickles, a carrot, and a chicken + cheddar cheese sammie.
The carrot served as the barrier for preventing pickle juice from seeping onto my sammie, which is totally gross. 😉
The sweetness of the plum was a great complement to the tart pickle!
And for dessert, I had a Z-Bar. Yes, I broke down and bought a few at the store tonight. I give up! I’m a crazy woman for Z-Bars!
At least I made Maggie pose in front of the Z-Bar so you all got to look at a slightly more interesting picture:
I…. love…. that…. FACE and that TINY WEINER BODY!
Mid-Morning Snack
Around 9:30, I had my mid-morning snack: yogurt + Kashi Go Lean Crunch!
What are the important aspects of a satisfying meal for you? Should it contain a certain ingredient? Does it have to be cooked by you or is it better when it’s made by someone else? Is it always breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
I agree!! Great way to eat.
Satisfying meals for me = wholesome, fresh, and delicious :0)