Food: Not Just another Boring Meal

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Not Just another Boring Meal
Sunday, August 28, 2005

By Christina VanGinkel

There are times when keeping our meals from becoming as ho hum, as any boring a meal we can think of, is difficult. It seems like no matter the meal we have cooked, or the preparation we put into it, it seems like it is just repetition from all the days before. Sometimes it can be because we are in a rut with our meal planning, or we are following a self-induced or doctor ordered diet that does not leave a lot of room for variation. Other times, even with a several course, lavish meal, things still seem bland. For whatever the reason, there are some simple ways to spice up meal time that actually have very little to do with the food itself, but can have as huge an impact on it as if we tried a food we had never been tempted with before.

To begin with, brighten up your table settings, even for your most basic meal. Set out fresh flowers, as even a cutting or two from your own garden can give a table that much-needed air of stylishness. Then, actually set the table. Too often in our busy days, we are lucky if we even sit down at a table, let alone one that is set with all the proper place settings. Candles are a great way to provide just the right mood for a late evening meal. When we are relaxed, not only will we pay more attention to what we are eating, but also our stomachs can do a much better job of digesting the meal when we are calm and not stressed. Remember that no matter the meal, whether it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we need to take the time to eat. Lunch is always better if served on the good dishes, and if you happen to be a fan of tea, use an old-fashioned teapot now and then instead of just a tea bag in a microwaveable cup.

If getting kids to eat is another problem you are facing at meal times, get them involved. Young kids can create place cards, or plan the menu. Allow older kids to look through your cookbook to discover some new meal choices. Have them make the shopping list, checking the cupboards to see what you already have on hand ingredients wise, and make up a list for whatever is needed. Then have them shop for whatever is necessary. If they are old enough to cook, let them try to create the meal themselves, with as little supervision as you feel is needed. If things go relatively well, let them do this on a regular basis, such as once a month, or even once a week. Children will take a much more serious attitude about eating their meals if they are at least partly responsible for what is in front of them. For younger kids, help them create some dishes that they can make almost on their own, such as pizzas that they just need to put the toppings on. Provide them with the pre-baked crust, bowls of toppings, sauce, and cheese, and let them build their own. Step in just when it is time to bake them. If you have several small kids, make sure they each have their own mini pizza crust for as hassle free a pizza build as possible.

Remember that meal time may be about the food, but the attitude with which you and your family set down to eat can have a huge bearing on whether it is just another boring meal in a long line of many, or something you can look forward to enjoying day after day.

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