My Opiate, Food

I write a lot about food. I can't help it, it's my obsession. Part of this obsession is driven by an opiate-like effect that good food, and the eating of, has on my psyche. I get giddy after a good meal. Not in the giggle sense, more in a light-headed, contented sense. I reflexively (not that I've been trained or anything) visualize my cells as tiny Pacmen¹ chomping on nutrients and swelling with health. Silly? I'd have thought so years ago. But after reading about the health benefits of this kind of visualization², effects that kick in independent of the meal, I think I'll stick with it. There's nothing like a good placebo effect to underwrite longevity.

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¹ Photo of a hot air balloon moving across the path of the moon thanks to NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day.

² Davidson RJ, Kabat-Zinn J, Schumacher J, et al. Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation. Psychosomatic Medicine: 2003, 65(4); 564-570.