Author: Annemarie Lombard

The way in which we cook and eat is dependent on the senses of taste and smell. Our appreciation (or not) of food is reliant on these senses. It is widely known that if you cannot smell what you are about to eat (due to blocked nodes), food is far less appetising and enjoyable.

Just take a minute to think about the following questions:

• Why do some people enjoy very spicy, flavourful and hot food and other don’t?
• Why do some people prefer sweet foods to sour or salty foods?
• Why is it that when we smell certain foods or drinks, we are sometimes taken on a journey through our memory banks?
• How adventurous are you when trying new foods?

We have 2000 – 5000 taste buds in our mouths, each accounting for the different taste categories – sweet, salty, sour and bitter. Taste is a chemical sense and it has a short link in the brain. People are rarely overwhelmed by the sense of taste.  What and how we eat is dependent on our thresholds for taste. The higher your threshold, the more spice and flavour you will seek. The lower your threshold, the less adventurous and seeking you will be with regards to flavour in food.

People with high thresholds for taste will:

• Enjoy a wide range of foods and be adventurous in trying new foods
• Enjoy cooking from scratch and playing around with recipes
• Enjoy several courses in a meal or a tasting menu
• Enjoy spicy and flavourful food
• Enjoy variety in choices of food (like a buffet)

People with low thresholds for taste will:

• Avoid trying new foods
• Prefer bland foods – avoid sauces and strong flavours
• Prefer a set and familiar menu
• Will not experiment with cooking

Sensory strategies for the high threshold person:

• Be adventurous, try new foods and different flavours.
• Experiment with food – adjust recipes as you cook.
• Combine foods with different textures and tastes.
• Keep the condiments close at hand – hot sauce, herbs, pepper, etc. so that you can add flavour to your food at your hearts content.
• Have a varied and changing menu during the week.
• Eat out – restaurants provide you with large variety of choices.
• Join a dinner club.
• Cook with others – the more the merrier and the more you will enjoy your meal.

Sensory strategies for the low threshold person:

• Avoid rich and spicy foods.
• Open doors and windows when you cook, so that the aromas don’t overwhelm you.
• Have a planned menu for the week.
• Eat at restaurants that cater to your sensory tastes and do so occasionally.
• Follow recipes precisely.
• Eat what you are familiar with – you still need to savour those flavours that bring you comfort.
• When cooking, use recipes that include your favourite ingredients.
• When in overload, remove yourself from the environment or avoid the sensory input as much as possible.

Many revolve their social and emotional wellbeing around food and eating – family dinners and gatherings are definitely made more memorable by the fact that we can share in the joy of spending time around the table.  Whether you are eating with many or whether you are eating with a small crowd, be aware that not all people have the same thresholds for flavour and spice in their food. It is always easier to add flavour if you find food a bit bland, but much more difficult to tone down if food is too spicy or full of flavour. I always have to remind my family when cooking curries or spicy food, that “our mild is very different to someone else’s “mild”.

Find out what your tastebuds are trying to tell you …

1. For a quick summary of your sensory assessment, do our short free Sensory Quiz™.
2. For a comprehensive 26-page report with tips and strategies on how to use your senses to live a productive, healthy and happy life visit Sensory Matrix™.
3. Once you’ve done the online assessment and would like a one-on-one sensory coaching session, we can put you in touch with one of our licensed practitioners.
4. For team-building with a difference, get your whole team to do the e-assessment – you can contact us here.

I remember whilst growing up always being so excited for Christmas. Once I found out that Mom was really Santa Claus (spoiler alert), I could not bear waiting for Christmas day to see if I had got what I wished for! I would wait for my Mom to leave her bedroom, sneak in, find something to stand on, and search her cupboard for any possible gifts. Sometimes I was a little too early, but sometimes I ruined the surprise – just as planned.

The Need for Control and Predictability

After learning about my sensory assessment, I realised that I prefer control and predictability – as do many people. Why did I want to spoil the surprise of what I was getting for Christmas? Some may think I was just a spoilt brat, but I now know it caused far too much anxiety to wait, wonder and hope. I needed to know. I didn’t like the feeling of knowing my gift was there, but that I could not see it or touch it or have some kind of control in the process.

I personally enjoy surprises when I do not know they are coming. But if you tell me, “I have a surprise for you, but you have to wait and find out” – it drives me mad. The unknown. The uncertainty. And ultimately, not knowing what to prepare for – not knowing how to prepare my sense for what might come.

When Surprises Become Stressful

But some people don’t even like surprises when they do not know they are coming. It catches them off guard and triggers a stress response because surprise parties are full of sensory input and particularly, unexpected sensory input, e.g.:

• A room full of people you weren’t anticipating seeing,
• A party setup you did not have a say in,
• A noisy, perhaps even loud, environment,
• Being the centre of attention, without an opportunity to prepare for it.

You get the point – unexpected sensory input. People who are sensory seekers will love and enjoy the thrill of surprises.  For people who are sensory sensitive or sensory avoiders, this is a nightmare.

Why Low Sensory Thresholds Seek Predictability

A person with low sensory thresholds tends to seek control and predictability. WHY?  This provides an opportunity to prime the brain for what is to come to avoid spiraling into a stress response upon an overload of sensory input. It allows one to strategize some sensory snacks for the upcoming experience and therefore feels more at ease and function optimally. For example, a person with low sensory thresholds planning a party will make sure all details are catered for:

• They think carefully through the agenda of the function and try to ensure that everything is considered and planned thoughtfully.
• They know that there is a starting time and a possible ending time.
• They know what music might be played and have control over how loud it might be.
• They know how many people to expect and how much space there will be.
• They know the answers to questions like: what shoes should I wear? Will there be seating available or will I have to stand? Will there be food available and what kind? Is there an outside area where there is fresh air? Do I need to take something warm in case the function is held outside?

All these details are important to a sensitive person as it determines whether or not they will relax and enjoy themselves or wish they had booked their Uber for an earlier time! So perhaps it is best to know the person really well, before attempting to throw a surprise party for them

Discover Your Sensory Thresholds

Do you like surprise parties?  Do your sensory assessment to find out what your thresholds look like…

1. If you would like a quick summary of your overall sensory thresholds, do our short FREE Sensory Quiz™.
2. For a comprehensive 26-page report with tips and strategies on how to reduce stress and live a productive, healthy and happy life visit Sensory Matrix™.
3. Once you’ve done the e-assessment and would like a one-on-one coaching session, we can put you in touch with one of our licensed practitioners.
4. For team-building with a difference, get your whole team to do the e-assessment – you can contact us here.