Mental Health Issues
The way you feel can make a difference in your appetite. If you
are sad, lonely, or worried you might not feel like eating as much
as when you are feeling more satisfied with life.
Here are some
ideas to help make mealtimes more cheerful:
- Share mealtimes with people you enjoy. Invite them to your
home or go to theirs.
- Pack up some food for a picnic in the outdoors. Try the park,
beach,
or even your back yard. Bring a piece of bread to feed birds or
squirrels. The sunshine, fresh air and company of animals will
help
you feel better.
- Change where you eat daily. Always eating in the kitchen or
in the bedroom makes mealtimes less interesting. Try eating in
the bathtub or on your porch or patio.
- Go for a short walk before eating. Exercise is good for you
anyway. A walk in the fresh air can give you quite an
appetite.
- Have a glass of wine before dinner. It will help you relax
and can give you a good appetite.
- Listen to favorite music during dinner.
- Read a funny story or interesting book during your meals.
- Try not to just stand in the kitchen and eat out of the pot.
Take the time to put your food on a plate and sit down at a table
to eat.
- Make your meals good to look at.
- Spruce up your plate with a sprig of celery, a slice of lemon
or other simple garnish. Buy colored paper napkins.
- Put some fresh flowers on the table.
- Have some lighted candles on the table. It will make even a
bowl of chili seem fancy.
