Mindful Nutrition and the Family Dinner by Pamela Peeke

While visiting the holistic Mexican destination spa Rancho La Puerta, I was invited to participate in a silent dinner with twenty others. Dinners were ordered ahead of time, and at the appointed hour, we were ushered into a grand dining room. Crackling fireplace, brightly lit candles and relaxing music welcomed us. Not a word was uttered for 2 hours. Instead, every person concentrated on their meal- taste, smell, feel, visual, auditory. By practicing mindful eating, everyone ate at a slower pace, felt satisfied with less food, and left food on the plate. What a contrast to the typical American's mindless 24/7 grab and go, multitasking dashboard dining. What are creative ways to incorporate some essence of mindful meals and eating into the American family's current freestyle nutrition routine?