You Don’t Have to Choose Between Pleasure & Health

how to have both, this season and beyond

The bounty of food that surrounds us this time of year makes the season a celebration. From cheese plates, party dips and turkey dinners to chocolates, cakes and cookies, it is a time when pleasure and indulgence rule. Many embrace the bacchanalia wholeheartedly and banish thoughts about health until Jan. 1, while others struggle to forgo the deliciousness to stay on the right track. But the idea that you have to choose between pleasure and wellness is untrue. There is a wealth of evidence that focusing on food’s sensual pleasure can help you find a healthful balance.

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Anticipate enjoyment

It turns out that simply imagining the pleasure of those butter cookies before reaching for them could help prevent you from gobbling too many. In a study published in the Journal of Marketing Research researchers found that people who were asked to vividly imagine the taste, smell and texture of an indulgent food, such as chocolate cake, before being offered some, ultimately chose smaller portions of that food and enjoyed it as least as much as those who didn't think about the food before eating it.

Another study, this one from Brigham Young University, concluded that thinking about a food — in this case by looking at pictures of it and evaluating it — activates sensory memories of the eating experience that provide a measure of satisfaction; the subjects didn't need to consume as much to feel content.

So before you get to a holiday party, try imagining the goodies you expect to find there. Conjure the aroma, texture and how they will look and taste. Think about their preparation and how they’ll be served. You could pore through photos from cookbooks or previous parties to help make your image more complete. You might find more satisfaction without stuffing yourself.

Slow down and savor