How to Eat

It's time to slow down and enjoy your food.

Not the passing satisfaction of "got-to-have-it-right-now" eating, but the genuine pleasure of a leisurely meal, the delight of fresh-baked bread, farm-fresh vegetables and (yes!) the first bite of a sumptuous dessert.

Of all people, we should know about sitting down to a good meal. We do it every Shabbat. Most of our holidays focus on eating.

When we learn to transfer that pleasurable eating behavior to our every-day working lives, we'll be in good shape. (At the same time, of course, we'll trim the menu and add more vegetables and whole grains to our meals.)

I know it's hard. We're running around, working too much, and trying to fit too much into too few hours. Relaxing while we eat just doesn't fit into our hectic lives.

But it's time we find a way to make it happen. Because eating in the car or in front of the computer or as we're running out of the house just doesn't work. Grabbing "something" usually means something that's not really good for you. And because you're in such a rush, you don't realize you're full until you've eaten way too much.

Find a way to eat at least one meal a day with your family. Make it a time to talk with one another. Let your children set the table, help prepare the food and help with the clean-up.

It's just you or you and your spouse? Make it a priority to eat at least one meal a day sitting down at a nicely set table. (Clear the clutter and move away from the computer or the TV!) Allow yourself enough time to take a break from your daily routine.

Even if you just have time for a sandwich (the most popular meal in America!), spend a few extra minutes on good quality ingredients. Make it the tastiest sandwich ever. Then sit down and enjoy it.

Slow down, relax and make leisurely eating a regular part of your life. You'll be another step closer to healthier, happier eating.

Next … Back to Cooking