Sometimes It’s Not What You Eat, But How You Eat It

One thing my husband and I fiercely agreed on when our two older children were in elementary school was prioritizing family dinners.
Family dinners build trust and understanding. They can also improve our digestion so we get more nutrition from our food. That’s in part because of the cephalic phase of digestion—the thoughts and sensory experiences we have before eating which activate saliva and other digestive juices.
It’s a real challenge for the body when we inhale fast food in the car in between appointments or do computer work during lunch, said Fillner. Multi-tasking can rev up the nervous system, which ought to be calm for optimal digestion.
Family dinners can support better eating habits. That includes eating mindfully and paying attention to our food, which gives us more enjoyment and satisfaction. We also tend to eat a little slowly and overeat less.
Vacationing often tunes us into the sensory experiences around meals, according to personal chef James Barry. When it comes to eating, people on holiday have nowhere to go and nothing to do but enjoy their food.
Barry shared easy relaxation strategies around meal times, including better lighting while cooking, infusions of color in food presentation, candlelight, and soft music.
My older children recently moved out—but not until my husband gave them cooking lessons. My motherly prayer is that not only will they fuel their bodies well, but they also find joy at their table—even when they’re dining solo.