Yes, we love food, but it doesn't always get our full attention. Time to reconnect your mind with your mouth and become a mindful eater.
Many of us fall easily into patterns of mindless eating. We pick at food while working at our computers. We reach for the quickest - and usually the unhealthiest - snacks for a quick energy boost. We don't take proper lunch breaks. We are constantly distracted while we eat, by television, by work by our phones and computers. We have lost a lot of the enjoyment of eating and as a result we are guilty of just shovelling food into our bodies.
Turn to page 100 of July's The Simple Things to read Rebecca Frank's rediscovery of the joys and pleasure of conscious eating. And sit down with a cuppa, taking time to enjoy the fragrant flavours of one of these mindful infusions. Glass tumblers work really well, as you can fully appreciate not only the refreshing taste and aroma, but also the visual delights. You can sweeten any of the teas with a dash of honey.
Simple Mint Tea
2-3 sprigs of fresh mint Freshly boiled water
Place the mint sprigs into your favourite tea tumbler.
Pour over hot water.
Leave to steep for a few minutes and you will notice the water start to turn slightly green. Savour and enjoy.
Mindful tea notes: This simple, refreshing mint tea has long been used as a natural digestive aid. It works well if sipped slowly after a meal.
Rosemary Tea
2-3 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves Freshly boiled water
Add the fresh rosemary to your favourite tea tumbler.
Pour over hot water and leave to steep for a few minutes.
Enjoy immediately or strain mixture first depending on your preference.
Mindful tea notes: Rosemary is associated with memory and is a lovely tea when you need focus and concentration on your side.
Lemon, Ginger and Lemongrass Tea
1 inch ginger; peeled and sliced into long thin strips 1 organic, unwaxed lemon A few seeds from a cardamom pod 1 stalk lemongrass Freshly boiled water
Press down on the ginger slices and cardamom seeds with the back of a teaspoon to release the flavours and place them in your favourite tea tumbler.
Slice the top and bottom off the lemongrass stalk and then slice in half lengthways, remove the outer layer, and place sliced inner sections into your tumbler.
Pour over hot water and leave to steep for a few minutes.
Squeeze the juice from the lemon and add to the tumbler.
Stir well and enjoy.
Mindful tea notes: The combination of lemon and ginger is energising, while the extra cardamom adds spicy warmth to boost your metabolism.
Not got July's The Simple Things yet? Buy or download your copy now.