Savor Every Bite

March 22, 2021
Psychologist Rossy (The Mindfulness Based Eating Solution) explores in this middling guide ways to accept one’s body and correct poor dietary habits through mindfulness. Encouraging readers to jump around and choose from the 52 thematic chapters, Rossy sprinkles her advice across five pillars—exploring one’s senses, soothing emotions, eschewing limiting thoughts, choosing happiness, and savoring every moment. Rossy opens with basic tools of mindfulness, such as offering physical “Savoring Practices,” yogic massage, and meditation techniques, before digging into ideas of surrendering to a slower pace and “weaving intentions more deeply.” Rossy maintains an overtly positive vibe: “Slow down before you eat, before you make plans, before you make a decision, before you send an email, before you say yes or no to something, and before the many other choices you make each day.” Unfortunately, the saccharine appeals become cloying, and the many painfully obvious filler statements (“Fullness is determined by the quantity of food you’ve eaten” and “If we’re not present, where are we?”) fail to move forward the basic concept of slowing down and savoring one’s meals. Readers looking for useful health tips will be disappointed.

April 15, 2021
Psychologist Rossy offers a combination of yoga and mindfulness practices to teach readers how to live in the present, a concept that many COVID-wracked brains could embrace. Her five steps fully encompass both body and heart: slow down and explore your senses; soothe your emotions; surrender limiting thoughts; smile and create your own happiness; savor every moment. The consistency of her advice lends a soothing rhythm to daily activities and thoughts. Here are a few examples: breathe with me; do what's important, not urgent; be your own best friend; remember the power of a smile. At the end of each sub-step is a savoring practice or exercise, like asking yourself ""What am I really hungry for?,"" writing a letter to yourself, and paying attention to meaning and the heart. Those already enmeshed in the mind-and-body arts might consider this a refresher, while others will find a whole new way to approach the art of living and contentment.

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