Making Mealtime Matter.

We asked Anna Kalbasko, a psychologist, to write an article for Grechka's blog about setting an intention before a meal.

Eating a meal is often seen as a routine or practical activity, but it can also be a rich and meaningful experience. One way to enhance the meaning and sense of ritual to a meal is by setting an intention before eating.

There are many potential benefits to setting an intention before a meal, including:

• Increased mindfulness: By taking a moment to focus on the present moment and to set an intention before eating, you can help to bring your attention to the present moment and to the task at hand, which can be helpful for reducing stress and increasing productivity.

• Connection to purpose and meaning: By considering your intentions and what you hope to achieve or experience, you can give your actions a sense of direction and purposefulness.

• Sense of appreciation: Setting an intention before a meal can be a way of expressing gratitude for the food and the effort that went into preparing it, which can help to create a sense of connection and increase overall level of well-being.

• Sense of ritual and tradition: An intention before a meal can also help to create a sense of ritual and tradition around meals, which can be a source of comfort and togetherness for people.

• Healthier eating habits: By considering your intentions before eating, you can become more aware of your food choices and how they align with your values and goals, which can be helpful for developing healthier eating habits.

Many of us are familiar with setting intentions for the New Year to focus our attention and guide our actions with meaning and purpose. But why wait an entire year to benefit from this practice? You can try setting an intention before a meal on a daily basis to bring more mindfulness, connection to purpose and meaning, appreciation, a sense of ritual and tradition, and even healthier eating habits to your daily routine.

For example, my meditation teacher, a Buddhist monk named LP Pasura, taught me a simple intention to say before meals: "May this meal nourish me and bring me enough energy to do good in the world." This helps me to focus on nourishing myself with healthy food and stay connected to my goal of serving others. The intention is easy to remember and incorporate into my daily routine.

It is important to note that this is just an example, and you can choose any intention that aligns with your values and goals. The key is to find an intention that resonates with you and that you can use to bring more awareness and sense of purpose to your meals.

I love Grechka buckwheat for its highly nutritional value. High fibre is pure fuel for my energy circle. I feel how the natural power of this grain contracts a digestion process and then turns it into nutrients that my body uses to cultivate more energy and benefit my gut health. What you eat and how you eat is also a reflection of your mental health.

Setting an intention before a meal can be a simple yet powerful way to bring more meaning into your life, cultivate mindfulness and practice gratitude. Whether you choose to set a specific purpose, or simply focus on the present moment, setting an intention before a meal can be a beneficial and enriching practice.

Follow Anna's Instagram: @anna_being_aware