festivore

As you approach the table for your next meal, here are some thoughts to consider. These ideas are gleaned from centuries of culinary tradition and natural science, and they embody the festivore’s natural passion to eat well, live long and enjoy life.

Prepare your mind & spirit
Clear your head: the table is no place for stress, anger, worry, or distraction; for festivores, mealtime is a respite from the cares of the day.
Be thankful: consider where the food came from; take a moment to appreciate the farmer, the fisher, the forager, and the cook.
Be mindful: consider the oceans, the land, the animals and the ecosystems that are the source of this food; are you comfortable that this meal was sourced in harmony with nature?
Stay pure; eat real food: remember that your body’s “engine” is a myriad of biochemical pathways and it needs very specific fuels – no pesticides, synthetic hormones, GM foods, chemical modifications & additives have a healthy function in that engine; like sugar in the gas tank, they can cause big trouble.

Set the scene
Consider the setting: as often as possible, choose a natural place (at home, a peaceful patio, an historic place, relaxing restaurant, a garden, a shore, a farm).
Bring in natural elements: plantings, wood, stone, water, fire, iron, copper, flowers, antiques, well-worn furnishings, old things, handmade things, art, soothing sounds.
Go for quality: splurge on tableware, beautiful & comfortable furniture, good music, furnishings, flowers… it’s a great way to respect your food and yourself.

Enjoy!
Eat only what you love: be an adventurous eater (you never know what you might discover), but push aside mediocre foods; festivores vote with their forks… and vote for the good life.
Choose mainly low food: because our bodies are built to thrive on mainly plants, and because nature cannot support all of us constantly munching high on the food chain.
Hydrate: taste the water (cool, not cold) and drink lots of it, before and/or during any eating or drinking.
Eat slowly: take the time to taste, enjoy, reflect on the food – this will naturally lead to taking smaller portions and more variety of color, taste, texture, and preparation… with terrific health benefits.
Use all your senses: admire the presentation of the food, note the aromas, taste with your whole mouth, and don’t deaden your taste buds with too much heat or cold, too much spice, or too much alcohol.
Share: the meal is a great opportunity for reconnecting to share moments, ideas, fun and food (but when you’re dining alone, take full advantage of the opportunity to focus on the food for maximum enjoyment of it!).

Bon appétit!