| Part of learning to appreciate food involves | | | | When you make your own food, you know |
| engaging all of your senses, not just your sense | | | | exactly what's going into your mouth. Don't |
| of taste. You can't do that if you're watching TV, | | | | worry, it's easy to make delicious and appealing |
| so I would suggest turning it off so you can | | | | Italian fare without a lot of trouble. In fact, once |
| actually enjoy your food. | | | | you've stocked your kitchen with a simple array |
| Eating in front of the television is a great way to | | | | of the right ingredients, you'll always be able to |
| eat yourself fat. You lose track of how much | | | | whip up something delicious, even at short notice. |
| you're eating when you're focusing on something | | | | I know there will be times when you're pressed |
| else. | | | | and maybe fast food must be the order of the |
| For many people, TV time is a time for munching | | | | day. But in that case, choose the most nutritious |
| mindlessly out of a bag. Stop being a bag lady! | | | | thing on the menu and bring it home and set a |
| Start treating yourself like a queen. You don't | | | | nice place for yourself at your table. It's relaxing |
| have to go to a fine restaurant in order to treat | | | | and you deserve it. No plastic cups, plastic |
| yourself like royalty. Fine restaurants are great on | | | | silverware, or cardboard dishes. We're not in |
| special occasions, but you can also treat yourself | | | | kindergarten. |
| right in the privacy of your own home with a | | | | In fact, if you have a garden or a balcony, dine al |
| well-stocked pantry, a nice tablecloth, elegant | | | | fresco whenever possible. It's soothing to look |
| napkins and pretty dishes. | | | | upon grass and flowers and trees and to hear |
| Fresh flowers on the table, a candle and music in | | | | birds singing or watch fireflies flitting through the |
| the background add to the atmosphere. The point | | | | dark. A garden setting is a fantastic setting for |
| is to relax and surround yourself with beauty so | | | | any meal. If you can't go outside, at least create |
| that all your senses are engaged. That way it's | | | | an inviting atmosphere indoors -- one that's |
| not just your stomach that's running the show. | | | | conducive to the sensual enjoyment of food. |
| Now, you really wouldn't want to bring fast food | | | | Be the guest at your own table. Great dining is |
| into this picture and spoil it, would you? I've never | | | | one of the great pleasures of life. And it's even |
| met an Italian who didn't know how to cook, so I | | | | better in an appealing atmosphere, with the right |
| suggest you start learning your way around your | | | | company, and when you take your time. |
| own kitchen. It's the healthful way to live and eat. | | | | |