I live in a world of taboos and rules and restrictions, not the least of which is how to properly set the table for dinner. Forks go on the right, knives and spoons go on the left and all that. I stopped at a little restaurant to have lunch and ordered grilled salmon in a light dill sauce with a fresh garden salad. The lovely waitress brought out my order with a set of tableware. I opened the napkin and examined the fork. It seemed suitable enough. It was clean and shinney. I stared at it for a brief moment and then was hit by a sudden realization. My mother was nowhere to be seen, nor my wife, nor any of the other rule enforcers that I have had watching my every move all my life. So I set the fork off to the side and very slowly, with great care and deliberation began to eat my meal with my fingers.

How strange it seemed. We normally eat a sandwich with our hands, without question. We eat pizza and chicken wings, ice cream cones, corn on the cob etcetera. On and on the list goes, but garden salad with dressing? A grilled fish filet covered in sauce? God forbid someone should see me eating with my fingers. That's why they give you a fork! But as I looked around, no one was watching me. I delighted in the textures of the food, picking out each piece of lettuce and pondering it for a moment before placing it upon my tongue. It was completely exhilarating to my senses. With each bite of my lunch I licked the dressing and sauces from my fingers to let the flavors linger a little bit longer. I ate slower than I normally do.

Eating shouldn't be a chore, like some job we have to do, performed with rudimentary manufactured tools. Eating should be an adventure which titillates all our senses and satiates the deeper cravings of fulfillment. Perhaps that is why so many Americans struggle with weight issues. We just don't know how to appreciate a good meal properly, and we leave the table full of food but empty from the experience.

Make your next meal an adventure and try something different, put down the fork, and when you are done, lick your fingers.

Oh.. and be sure to wash your hands before you eat!