What makes a good dinner?

Last night, I had a fabulous dinner with three courses and desert, some good wine and delightful conversation.   Such a romantic evening!

Here in France, dinner is typically not served until later in the evening; it is very common to eat around 8 or even 9 pm.  In North America,  that would be consider ‘absurd!”  I definitely thought that.  After all, I always believed if you eat too late, it is assured all the extra calories will follow you right into your bed.  Then, slowly but surely, they will deposit themselves on your hips and thighs!  But… from my vantage here in the South of France, I don’t see many people with excessive weight… so what the heck???

As others and I see it, we have had so much more stress in our lives.  The pressures of career, family, relationships can be overwhelming.   Admittedly, I have used food as a pacifier!  It has been a very fast fix to deal with my lives issues.  I eat my troubles away or eat fast to get it over with.  So silly!

Don’t you think that we also can use food for self-gratification?   I know on any street corner,  I can get a quick fix, fuel fast, eat cheap and heck do so all in mega- super sized portions!  Honestly, when I indulge in this behavior of excess, I am doing it out of habit.  Oh and then guess what happens?  I get a diet of guilt! You guessed it… I go back to the gym or diet.   Now, I am asking myself — – what is more absurd — Late night eating or fast food indulgence?

I think, the French do know something about the fine art of eating!   The secret is Pleasure!  Last night was pleasurable.  In fact, each night is so.  Even the dinner at home is done with care, with intention and time is given to conversation and sharing.

So I am learning to view eating as one of lives pleasures!  To feel pleasure when eating is nourishing and refreshing!

Can we relish in it without overindulgence?

Join me by exciting all the senses, eating with a sense of proportion, selecting healthily, savoring each bite and being fully sensual.    This is a way of being…

Enjoy a pleasurable evening of eating each and every day!