Tips to Embrace Mindful Chocolate Indulgence

2 mins reading

Share Or Print:

There's something truly delightful about indulging in chocolate, and even better if we can fully enjoy the pleasures of chocolate. Chocolate appears to lift one’s mood, but particularly when it is eaten mindfully (1). Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of your body, mind, and feeling in the present moment (2), and it is said to bring about various positive psychological effects, including increased subjective well-being and improved behavioural regulation (3). Embrace the art of mindful indulgence when it comes to chocolate with the following suggestions.

Mindful Enjoyment, Not Guilty Pleasure
Being Present in the Moment
Explore Milk Chocolate Varieties
Sharing is Caring

#Tip 1: Mindful Enjoyment, Not Guilty Pleasure

The first step on your journey to Mindful Chocolate Indulgence is to have a mindset change. Shift your mindset from guilt to mindful enjoyment when it comes to chocolate. Savour the moment, the food and allow yourself to fully relish the experience and enjoy the chocolate eating experience.

#Tip 2: Being Present in the Moment

A key part of mindfulness is being fully present and engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves bringing our attention to the here and now, allowing us to fully experience and appreciate the present moment. While chocolate lifts one’s mood, it is especially so when eaten mindfully (1). Take a break from your work and digital distractions, and just savour the taste, texture, and aroma of the chocolate, truly immersing yourself in the experience. Slow down, fully engage your senses, and appreciate each bite.

#Tip 3: Explore Milk Chocolate Varieties

Expand your chocolate horizons by exploring different varieties of milk chocolate. Experiment with different flavours, textures and cocoa percentages to find your favourites. This exploration adds an element of excitement and discovery to your Mindful Chocolate Indulgence.

#Tip 3: Explore Milk Chocolate Varieties

#Tip 4: Sharing is Caring

In your journey of Mindful Chocolate Indulgence, why not consider sharing chocolate with your loved ones or enjoying it in a social setting? Sharing food with others has the potential benefits of increasing positive emotions and strengthening social connections (4). Have a break, grab some chocolate and express your gratitude to your loved ones.

Mindful Chocolate Indulgence is about finding a balance between enjoyment and well-being. By striking that balance, you can fully embrace the pleasures of chocolate, knowing that you are nourishing your soul.

References:

Meier, B.P. Noll, S. W. & Molokwu, O. J. (2017). The sweet life: The effect of mindful chocolate consumption on mood. Appetite. 108, 21-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2016.09.018
Mindfulness. (n.d.) Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/mindfulness
Keng, S. Smoski, M.J. & Robins, C.J. (2011). Clinical Psychology Review. 31(6), 1041-1056. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2011.04.006
Hamburg, M.E. Finkenauer, C. & Schuengel, C. (2014). Food for love: the role of food offering in empathic emotion regulation. Frontiers in Psychology. 5(32). https://doi.org/10.3389%2Ffpsyg.2014.00032