's MOTD Sunday 3/26/2006

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's Daily MessageSundayMarch 26, 2006

CHEW

As a kid, I didn`t chew my food. I inhaled it! I would look at the plate of love and start devouring every scrumptious bite of it. My parents never had to say, "Finish everything on your plate. There are starving children in the world." You would think by the way I ate that I was one of the starving children! Sometimes I would eat so fast and furious that I would just about choke on my food, and one time, I did. I got a few French fries lodged in my throat, and I couldn`t breathe. I thought I was going to die because of those fries! What a way to go, huh?

I did live through that horrible experience and did learn my lesson, but most people haven't. When I`m in a restaurant and watch the way others attack their food and gobble it up, it so reminds me of what I used to do. What I learned a long time ago was not to be in such a hurry when you are dining on your meals. What is the hurry? Where do you have to go, and what will eating fast get you? Well, for one thing, heartburn, which could lead to more serious stomach problems.

I need you to slow down and nourish your body properly! Sit at the table and just enjoy the food you made for yourself. In order for proper nutrition to take place, you have to chew your food. You don`t send it down your esophagus in big lumps, which will slow down the digestive process. Put a small amount of the food on your fork. Remember, it is a fork… not a fork lift! Place the food in your mouth and put the fork down. Now… CHEW! Chew your food and enjoy the flavors. Remember, eating should be a wonderful culinary experience. After you swallow, have a sip of your beverage to help the food`s journey. Then pick up the fork again and repeat.

Next time you go out to eat, look around you and see how everyone is in a race to be the first finished at their table. Here`s my advice. Take your time and chew real fine!

Love,