first "going raw" experience, March 9-15, 2015

Note: this post was written in parts on different days :) 

So, this past Monday the 9th, I decided to go raw.

In health nut language, that means that I will be consuming all, or at minimum 95% raw (fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and legumes). This is something I've been wanting to do for spiritual and health reasons for quite some time now, I finally decided to do it as a gift to my self this Monday, March 9. I would like to see if I can achieve perfect health by giving myself maximum-nutrient food. I'd also like to reflect on my attachment to comfort foods; all of which are cooked, and at best,  much safer then common junk food, and at worst, just pastries and salty snacks without the dairy and eggs.

Instead, I'd like to think of what I'm doing as and investment in my long term comfort, as opposed to the  momentary satiation that comfort food provides.

So, I'll be journaling my experience, so has to add a personal touch to what is normally a finger wagging diet-tribe (hehe diatribe) as to why this diet is the best as compared to that diet. We all have personal reasons for why we do what we do, so there is no point in judging. I can only advocate for and share what I know.

I thought I was going to be journaling each day, but, you know, life happens. So, instead I'll just take time to reflect on the past week.

Day One, Monday:

My raw breakfast/lunch/snack

I started the day with one liter of water mixed with the juice of two lemons, as suggested by a good friend of mine. While this lemon juice was very cleansing and hydrating, it also too my appetite away. I would satiated after very small amounts of food. I was at work, so I would eat a piece of fruit or some berries every couple of hours. I had an Asian flavor cabbage slaw wrapped in collard greens on the first night. I barely finished everything I set out to eat, but I was feeling good. I think the lack of appetite really threw me off. But in hindsight, I think I wasn't hungry at the time because I was allowing my body to finish some digesting and healing that eating a lot of food sometimes inhibits.

Day Two, Tuesday:

Still on my 2 lemon water with plenty of fruit. I had a smoothie in the morning as well, but I just was not hungry. Day two was very interesting, as I had five eliminations; I don't care if this is TMI, but yes, I did the number 2 five times! This surprised me for two reasons: 1) who knew that much could fit in my body and was still there, and 2) I hadn't even eaten that much! I really think it was the lemon water that it was that was "cleaning" me out so to speak. I had a busy day, so I was finally hungry--SUPER hungry, around like 11 pm. I had an avocado and like 32 ounces of green juice.

Day Three, Wednesday:

Kale Salad with peppers, tomatoes and onions

The hunger continued into Wednesday, so I had more fruit, another 32 ounce juice (these were Bolthouse Farms drinks...  I had no time to make my own) and I had a smoothie too. There was a method to this madness by the way. I would have my smoothies in the morning, then fruit later on in the day. I would eat whenever I felt hungry. Day three was when I started to feel somewhat lightheaded. I really didn't enjoy that. I would eat, then feel dizzy.  For dinner I ate a large kale salad with a avocado, carrot, coconut milk & curry dressing

Day Four, Thursday:

I had a smoothie, brought plenty of food from Trader Joe's, and made sure to eat. I felt good after I ate, but didn't like the weakness that came with feeling hungry. I still drank my lemon water. I decided to do some shopping at at Trader Joe's. I bought veggies to snack on and a container of Tahini. I made sure to eat until I was filled (...stuffed lol). I felt a little better, but I will say I was physically tired as well, so that could have contributed to my feelings.

Day Five. Friday:

I had a huge banana berry smoothie, and I brought nuts and seeds to work to snack on and keep me energized. For dinner, I had a huge kale salad with another thick veggie dressing. Later on in the evening, I had another plate of chopped veggies with tahini and salsa.

Day Six, Saturday:

I had a busy day, and I begin taking in cooked foods again. I lost 2 lbs at this point (I'm already quite small) and I was feeling cold all the time. Furthermore, the weak feeling was pretty consistent. I had granola with coconut (vegan) yogurt for breakfast, and I brought a banana and some raw nuts to snack on while I was on the move. Later that day, I had a large kale salad from Whole Foods that contained quinoa and chick peas (both of which were cooked). The salad was filling and yummy. I had a delicious collard green salad later on in the evening.

Day Seven, Sunday:

I felt weak again. I had steel cut oatmeal in the morning, which helped quite a bit. Later in the day I had a tangerine. Again, I was preoccupied, so eating wasn't the first thing I was considering, although I was feeling my blood sugar dropping. Later in the day, I had a raw foods bar, which, by the way, is so SO delicious. At night I had fresh falafel with a middle eastern style salad. I super cheated and had baked cookies with my tea.

So, why did I cheat after only five days?

I was feeling very sick and depleted. No matter how much I ate, as soon as I was hungry, I also felt very faint and dizzy. I don't think that hunger should be associated with such I decline in my energy levels. The way I was feeling is understandable after a whole day without food, not 3 or 4 hours. However, part of me was wondering if I was experiencing detox symptoms. At the same time, the body is always detoxing; therefore, something was not exactly in equilibrium. I should also add that my emotional state could have contributed to my feelings of exhaustion

I learned a lot from this experience. More on this coming very soon!


XOXO


P.S. Wednesday, March 18th Update! 

Yesterday, I didn't eat any cooked foods until later on in the evening (veggie sushi... YUM). However, during the day, I felt very energized. I had 2 bananas with a 1/4 cup of Brazil nuts for breakfast. For lunch, I had 2 apples with maybe 2 or 3 tbsps of peanut butter. Later, I snacked on maybe a 1/3 cups of raisins and raw pumpkin seeds.

So... What changed? I drank less water through out the day. I normally drink a liter of water in the morning, plus more throughout the day, in addition to high water content fruits. My guess is that this made me quite over-watered and lethargic. Now, I pay more attention to the color of my pee and drink only when it begins to get too yellow, or if I feel thirsty.


Point of this story: Listen to your body! Not heresay, or research, or anything else!




Eat to Live!

what happened to my body after transitioning to a plant-based diet

Everything takes time.

I've been living a vegan lifestyle for a while now, and while the weight loss was pretty much immediate, the other changes took a while to kick in. For example:

• While many purport that a plant-based diet leads to glowing skin, my acne and acne scars didn't like poof! ...just vanish
• My bronchitis symptoms (coughing, phlegm in chest, etc.) actually returned, but that was so that it could finally be healed
• And I still need to exercise to strengthen my muscles and rev up my system

So, now that quite a bit of time has passed, by body has begun to shift and change the way it behaves:

These are unexpected changes, too. Most recently, my senses have heightened. My nose is more sensitive than its ever been. I don't use strong chemicals to clean my place or wash clothing, so they really impact me when I smell them being used in public facilities or in someone else's home.

My sense of taste has become more sensitive as well. I admit, I do like salt, which isn't a bad thing (for me), because my blood pressure is moderately low; however, fruits, and veggies in particular, that used to be bland to me, are now quite tasty. I ate an avocado, pretty much by itself as if it were an apple or orange, and it was so flavorful to me. Even a couple months ago, I would have needed to add salt or tomatoes.

If you want to talk about a sweet tooth, I got your sweet tooth... I nothing was sweet enough for me; double chocolate, triple chocolate with fudge, double, and if they existed, triple stuffed Oreos.... I could savor it all. NOW though? No way. Becoming vegetarian and then vegan was more about weening myself off of pastries and desserts and candy bars than about avoiding meat and cheese. While the sweet tooth in me has yet to fully die, most common sugary snacks are too much for me. Even many vegan treats have too much sugar for my palate.

What's more, I can feel everything that is going on in my body. I know when I am low on protein, or iron, or sugar. I know when I need to stop eating, or when its time eat particular foods. My body has become way, way more picky now that it knows I'm providing it with nutrient dense foods.

The other day, I tried to have a vegan chocolate cupcake from Wholefoods, thinking that it was gonna be a yummy evening treat...not so at all. I had a pounding headache until 4AM! I had to stand under a hot shower & then soak until my body decided to stop chastising me.

In general, there are times when my stomach will give a lurch--even to healthy things, like bananas--when its not the right time for me to eat them. I have to listen to my body too, because when I don't I pay for it. My liver and pancreas will be pained, I'll have a distended, swollen abdomen for days... ugh, It's terrible!

Trust me, its very frustrating when you're hungry or craving certain foods--psychologically at least--and can't eat them. However, I trust my body now. it knows what it's doing. In the midst of that trust, I've had to learn and let go of some things:

1. There is no set amount of calories we have to take in per day. While on a plant based diet, you don't need to be concerned as to whether you ate too much, or too little, in terms of calories. What matters most is that when you eat, you feel satisfied and comfortable. 
2. When in doubt, drink (detox) water. If your head hurts, drink water. When your back hurts, drink water, When your tummy hurts, drink water. Water is the first solution. Detox water simply means adding lemon, lime, oranges, ginger or apple cider vinegar to your water.
3. If you stick with a plant based diet, there are some foods you won't be able to eat anymore. This is not a bad thing, unless you feel limited by it. at the moment, my body only reacts to high sugar foods. I don't have problems with soy, wheat, corn, or any other common allergens. I prefer to be one with nature, so I dabble with these foods (in their organic forms) to continue to be one with them. I want to be healthy, but I don't want to build up so much resistance that I can't partake in a social situation in which there is some yummy wheat bread, for example. Perhaps this will change, but I am a social creature, and for now I want to still participate in life experiences with people that include eating cooked foods, etc. every once in a while

There might be more, but those are the big three for me at the moment. 

As this blog allows you to assume, I like to communicate and share ideas. If you want to talk more about your food experiences, comment below or reach out at awakenedkitchen@gmail.com!

Eat to live and to thrive!

why I'm "going raw" (vegan)

Hello Everyone!

I decided to "go raw," this past Monday, March 9th.  I have been vegan for more than a year now, and I have noticed amazing changes in my health; however, I want more.

Let me back track a little. When you switch to a fruit and vegetable based diet, your body becomes less dense; you're no longer consuming heavy meats and dairy products. Also, because veggies and fruit have more vitamins and minerals than high fat, high calorie foods, you need less food to get the same amount--or more--nutrition. Digestion happens faster and more efficiently, and your digestive system is less overworked, giving your body more time to heal itself and protect it self; hence, I haven't had a cold in a very, very long time.

There are unexpected changes too; my senses are heightened. My nose is more sensitive than its ever been, as is my sense of taste. What's more, I can feel everything that is going on in my body. I know when I am low on protein, or iron, or sugar. I know when I need to stop eating, or when its time eat particular foods. My body has become way, way more picky now that it knows I'm providing it with nutrient dense foods. I'll physically get sick on seemingly okay foods if my body didn't want them, or my digestive system needs a break. (More on this later)

Pretty cool, right?

Then of course, there are the aesthetic changes. I lost more weight than I every would have while I was working out for an hour everyday... yet still eating a standard (but mostly health conscious) American diet. My acne breakouts have come to almost a complete halt. (I'll be talking more about this soon as well)

But... I know I can do more. I still love my comfort foods. Vegan cookies, cupcakes, non-gmo potato chips, tortilla chips w/salsa & guacamole, sweet potato fries... the list goes on and on. There's not at all anything wrong with these foods. Actually, every so often I will be eating cooked foods while on this diet. However, if you're like me, and have seen the changes in you body and general lifestyle.,.. you begin to wonder what else is possible.

I have vision issues, and some scarring around my eyes from when I had a long stint of sinus related swelling... and I had bronchitis. I also have many acne scars. Also, I have all of the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I want to give my body time to heal itself by giving it pure medicine--plants.

The body is always trying to regenerate itself, it just needs us to give it the perfect fuel.

I love food; the culture it creates, the history of it, the personal attachment it creates for us... food is the source of life! However, I want not only to eat to live, but to eat to thrive.

There is also a spiritual explanation as to why I am incorporating this new lifestyle into my life, and if you would like to learn more about that aspect of going raw, please feel free to contact us (Rey and myself, Melissa) at awakenedkitchen@gmail.com!



Enjoy life, and eat to thrive!

Take Care of Your Tummy 101: Healthy Digestion Checklist

Hello All!

As a health foodie, I am constantly looking for ways to improve my diet. I've been discovering that as I add healthy foods to my diet and pallet, that is I am very careful. I have a sensitive digestive system, so too much fiber makes for a very VERY uncomfortable digestion process. In an effort to be meticulous in my self-care, I've been doing some research to help me respect and give comfort to my body, while also strengthening my digestive system.

TANGENT...! I am definitely an advocate for holistic health. I engage with and gain a lot from alternative healing, I connect my physical health to my spiritual & emotional health. Our digestive system is correlated to the solar plexus chakra (A chakra is an energy point). The solar plexus is connected to our personal power/self-empowerment, our intuition--hence the term "gut instinct"-- and our emotion--hence "butterflies" in our stomachs or the urge to throw up that very nervous people have. This is the part of our being that rules our will, so we say "I become." Strengthening our digestive system does impact our overall health, including out emotional and spiritual health. 

Photo Credit 

I came across this book called Be Good to your Gut, by Pat Baird, which has some great information on how we can begin to take ownership of our digestive health. I modified some of the information for my info-graph below. I hope your find it useful!

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Look out for more articles on digestive health!

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Source: 

Baird, Pat. Be Good to Your Gut: Recipes and Tips for People with Digestive Problems. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell Healthcare, 1996. Print.

Caffeine and Your Body

Hello All!

Like many of you, I am an on-the-go type person. My days are usually full and long, and when I go home, I try to work on accomplishing some personal goals. Throughout the week, I don't usually have time to rest until I'm in bed. With all that I do, I've found that I have been needing an extra boost to help me jump start my day, and sometimes my late afternoons too.

I enjoy coffee every so often, but I wouldn't say that I am a habitual coffee drinker. However, when I drink coffee, I do experience the amazing benefits of having that 95 mg caffeine boost (there are 95 mg of caffeine in a cup of coffee). At the same time, I've experienced many of the negative side-effects of caffeine in my body, but before I get into that, here is some data from an article I found on the FDA.gov site about our society's caffeine intake:

• Caffeine occurs naturally in more than 60 plants including coffee beans, tea leaves, kola nuts used to flavor soft drink colas, and cacao pods used to make chocolate products.
• Ninety percent of people in the world use caffeine in one form or another. 
• In the U.S., 80 percent of adults consume caffeine every day the average adult has an intake of 200 mg per day, the amount in two 5-ounce cups of coffee or four sodas. 
• A study of 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students in Ohio found that students took in an average of 53 mg of caffeine per day, but almost one in five students took in more than 100 mg of caffeine each day.

These are some of the side-effects you may experience with caffeine in-take. I would also take into consideration how your age, weight, heart condition, and general health will interact with these symptoms:

• After drinking caffeine, it usually reaches its peak level in your blood within one hour and stays there for four to six hours
• Make you jittery and shaky 
• Make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get a good night’s sleep 
• Make your heart beat faster
• Cause an uneven heart rhythm 
• Raise your blood pressure 
• Cause headaches, nervousness, and/or dizziness
•  Make you dehydrated (dried out) especially after a workout Make you dependent on it so you need to take more of it

From: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/UCM200805.pdf

I myself I have experienced the jitters, difficulty falling asleep, and nervousness from taking in too much caffeine. I would also note that in my personal experience, I’ve noticed that consuming caffeine products, tea and coffee, suppress my appetite fully and really heighten my ability to concentrate. In one of my previous articles, 3 Ways to Know What Foods Are Good For You, I stressed the importance of eating the foods that work with your body.

In taking my own advice, I would say that I will be drinking coffee in moderation, perhaps even less often than that. When I do purchase coffee, I will be researching an organic coffee that has been manufactured with care.

I haven’t found any information that would cause me to limit my tea intake, other than its impact on iron absorption, but that can be balanced by taking in more vitamin C. Furthermore, there are many caffeine-free tea options out there.

I am on the search for some natural, friendly picker-uppers. I came across this great article on fitday.com called “5 caffeine substitution ideas” that sound really great.

1.   Ginkgo Biloba "This is an herbal extract from the nut of the tree with the same name. It has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and works as a vasodilator, which increases of blood flow, particularly to the brain and extremities. People have reported better focus, wellbeing and even creativity when taking this herb. Ginkgo Biloba is also used to treat asthma and circulatory diseases."

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2. Ginseng "is an extract derived from the ginseng root. It grows in many parts of the world and varies in potency. Also used since ancient times, ginseng is beneficial for increased blood flow, and like coffee, has a stimulating effect. It's been shown to reduce depression and stress." 

The Vitamins and Supplements Lifestyle Guide on WebMD.com provides more great information on the benefits of Ginseng:

Some studies have found that ginseng may boost the immune system. There is some evidence that one particular type of American ginseng extract might decrease the number and severity of colds in adults.
 Several studies in people have also shown that ginseng may lower blood sugar levels.
 There is some early evidence that ginseng might temporarily -- and modestly -- improve concentration and learning. In some studies of mental performance, ginseng has been combined with ginkgo. While these studies are intriguing, many experts feel that we need more evidence.
 Ginseng has also been studied as a way to improve mood and boost endurance as well as treat cancer, heart disease, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, and other conditions. While some of these uses are promising, the evidence isn’t conclusive. (From: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-ginseng) 

Ginseng Plant Photo Credit

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3. Ice Cold Water and a B12 "Ice cold water first thing in the morning can shock your system into a metabolic furnace that kicks into gear to warm the water put into your system. Combined with vitamin B12, this is an excellent way to jump start your engine." When I started taking B12, I immediately noticed the an extreme difference in my mental clarity and focus.  "It also plays a role in melatonin production (a hormone that regulates healthy sleep cycles). B12 can help depression, asthma and the formation of red blood cells. The best way to take B12 is sublingually (under the tongue)." B12 can also be found in fortified soy milk, tofu. and cereals. If you are vegan, eggs and healthy dairy products are great sources of B12. If you consume meat products, beef and fish also have B12. 

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4. Teeccino and Cafix "These are two caffeine substitutes often found in health food stores. They are primarily made from grains, figs, chicory and beetroot. These products have had great success in mimicking the familiar taste of coffee, without any caffeine or acidity whatsoever. Like anything, there would be an adjustment period, but most people trying to kick the caffeine addiction give these two products high marks." I would say that aside from its ability to mimic coffee, this option is composed of several highly nutritious foods. 

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5. Stretch and Eat an Apple "Stretching upon rising catapults oxygen metabolism in the blood, sending oxygen rich cells to the muscles and the brain, which sparks an alert and focused body. Combine this with a fresh apple and you can boost your system into a similar caffeine wakefulness. The act of chewing an apple opens up neural and muscle pathways, and the fructose sparks the metabolism into energy production." If you have some time, I would suggest doing a couple quick yoga moves to stretch and get some blood flowing.

I would also add that water and exercise are excellent ways to balance our energy systems.

(From: 5 Caffeine Substitution Ideas) 

If you are going through caffeine withdrawal, these substitutes will take a while to work. Your body needs time to readjust to the changes you are making.

#TeaAddict Series: The Healing, Invigorating Benefits of Earl Grey Tea

Hello All!

I love tea. I really do. I grew up in a Caribbean household where tea was considered the medication for every ailment. Examples (written in imperfect Jamaican Patios)

• "Yu belly 'urt? Drink sum mint tea"
• "Yu 'ave a col'? Yu 'ave a fevah? Drink sum Cerasee" (American English: bitter herbal tea)
• "Ya face bruk out? Drink more tea" (American English: You have pimples?) 
• "It's cold outside. Drink sum tea"

LOL. Yes. My mother's solution to every health issue. As a child, I did not like tea, especially Cerasee and Ginger teas. They were too hot and bitter for my palate, which preferred Kool-Aid and Tang (Does Tang still exist?) However, as an adult, I am growing to understand why it was a key household item in my family. 

Throwback Anyone? (photo credit)

In my personal experience, tea has provided me with  a lot of energy and nutrients. Not mention the benefits of its warming effects (as I am always cold). Its both safe and healthy to be a tea connoisseur, for the benefits are endless. Not only is tea good for you, but it curbs cravings, balances your digestive system.  Most teas are very relaxing... an excellent accompaniment to a great book and a light pastry. Caffeinated teas are a great alternative to coffee, if coffee isn't your thing. If you still aren't persuaded, do some research! 

I thought I would start our with Earl Grey tea. Earl Grey tea is a black tea combined with the oil of the rind of the Bergamot Orange, a fragrant citrus fruit. "Earl Grey Tea Benefits" and article from "Med-Health.net" has some great information on the benefits of Earl Grey Tea. These Benefits include:

• Antioxidant
• Blood Sugar Regulation
• Fever Relief
• Digestive Aid
• Oral Health
• Hydration
• More Energy
• Relaxant
• Weight Loss

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More for details, read the article here: http://www.med-health.net/Earl-Grey-Tea-Benefits.html

I guess my mom was right in citing tea as the all encompassing cure for common ailments. Also, a note. If you are sensitive to caffeine like me, look for decaffeinated teas. Also, health food and good grocery stores have every tea flavor you can think of. Another thing, tea, like water and coffee, is a great diuretic, so drink while you're near a bathroom :)  

If you live in Delaware here are some Tea  (health food) sources:

Elmere/North Newark-y Area

• Elements of Nutrition: Facebook & Website 
• Nature's Way: Website

Newark

• Newark Natural Foods Website
• Teavana Website 

North Wilmington/Philadelphia

• Wholefoods
• Trader Joe's 

All Wilmington

• Shop rite (Shop-rite is also the most affordable!)

ONLINE! lots of great teas are available for sale online

If you know of anywhere else please comment! 

For general information on tea check out The Tea Spot Website: http://theteaspot.com/about-tea.html

Thanks for Reading :)

3 Ways Know What Foods are Good for YOU

Hello All!

As a both a foodie and an almost health guru, I've done a lot of research related to diet and general health. There is so much conflicting information out there. One blog or TV show will tell us dairy is unhealthy, another will tell us is it is beneficial to overall health. Just yesterday I was speaking to a group of ladies about the confusion surrounding nutrition. Someone in the group asked me whether I think coffee is damaging or beneficial to health, because everyone has differing opinions. 

Does the journey to nutrition feel like this sometimes? (Photo Credit)

My answer is that there is no answer. I told her a story about how I was trying to find healthy meatless sources of protein. I was confused about whether or not I should consume soy products. Some sources said it wasn't good for our bodies, others said the way soy products are produced makes them unhealthy. So for a while I didn't eat anything  with soy. However, I once I felt the symptoms of protein deficiency in my body (weakness, fatigue) I decided to try eating tofu to see how it felt. I had a tofu wrap from a restaurant and I was all cramped up, my stomach hurt and I was uncomfortable for hours afterwards. So, needless to say, I quit with the tofu for a while. 

After a couple months of having difficulties in maintaining my protein levels, I decided to try tofu again, however, this time I bought organic tofu and I prepared it at home. I cooked my meal with care and love. And guess what. No cramps, no digestive issues, and I was satisfied. This week I decided to purchase organic soy milk because it has a lot of protein and is fortified with vitamins and minerals--no harm occurred with this product either.

What did I learn from this experience? That it is all about becoming in tune with our bodies. Its not just about what food tastes like, its about how you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally after you consume it. Here are 3 considerations that will help you determine whether you should completely removed something for your diet, or whether you should reconsider the brand/type of product you bought.

1. Listen to your body: How do you feel after eating/drinking? Do you have a headache or stomachache? Do you feel sluggish and slow? Did your blood pressure or insulin levels dramatically change? Are you agitated or depressed?
2. Recall how you purchased your food: Where did you buy the food? Was it a low-quality brand? Was is made with many chemicals, sugars, salts, or food dyes?
3. Think about who might have made your food: If it was from a restaurant, was is a low-quality restaurant? It is the type of place where the cooks take pride and enjoy preparing food? If a friend or relative made it: Were they stressed out or aggravated when they prepared the food? Was the food made with love?

All of these things contribute to how you will feel after eating. I have another story. Prior to changing my diet I was always bloated, especially after my fried meals like tender and fries, or a bacon-cheese burger and onion rings, and other meals like that. Because I wasn't in tune with my body, I just thought that being bloated was natural. Some seltzer water, Tums or Pepto-Bismol and I would be good right? WRONG. I was listening more to the psychological satisfaction of eating those rich foods all the time instead of my digestion system who was asking for a break and some loving care. Listen to your bodies people!

To be sure you are consuming the food your body will love, take note of the following:

1. If it is a food that popular nutritionists and websites have differing opinions on like coffee, diary, or soy, consider opting for an organic brand. Eating organic often removes the risk of ingesting something your body will not like. 
2. Don't cook if your angry/upset. Step out of the kitchen, and if you are hungry, sooth your stomach with come hot tea until you are in a more positive mood.
3. Save money for a high-quality restaurant as opposed to going to a bunch of low-quality restaurants. Cooks, chefs and waiters who are getting paid well and better treatment are more likely to enjoy their work, which will give you a great eating experience. 

The most important thing to remember is to become more in tune with your whole body. not just your taste buds!

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Happy Eating!!