top of page
ChatGPT Image Aug 29, 2026, 12_50_23 PM.png

Join The Health Shift

Small, practical health insights—straight to your inbox.

Receive new articles, useful tools and occasional updates as The Health Shift grows.

Experiment #12: Eat One Meal With Your Senses

Writer: Dr. Saartje Jooris
Dr. Saartje Jooris
Sep 1
1 min read
Illustration of a woman eating slowly and paying attention to the colours, aromas, textures and flavours of her meal.

Put Your Senses Back at the Table

Eating has become something we often do while working, watching television or looking at our phones. This week, choose one meal and give it your full attention.


Why this experiment?

Your body begins preparing for digestion before the first bite. Slowing down and paying attention to food allows you to notice hunger, satisfaction and fullness more easily. Many people also enjoy their food more.


The experiment

Choose one meal.


Put away all screens.


Eat more slowly than usual.


Notice:

  • the smell

  • the colours

  • the texture

  • the taste

  • the chewing

  • swallowing

  • when you begin to feel comfortably full


You don't need to eat perfectly.


Simply pay attention.


If it's harder than expected

It may feel surprisingly uncomfortable to eat without distraction.


Many people discover how automatic their eating has become.


That awareness is already part of the experiment.


Make it easier

Begin with just the first five minutes of a meal if doing the entire meal feels difficult.


Try it

Try it for seven days. If you notice a difference, continue for another two weeks and see what changes.

bottom of page