Eating Alone – With Age Esteem

I love to travel, but I do admit that it took me awhile to feel comfortable eating alone.

Usually when you are welcomed to a restaurant the person who seats you says, “Just one?” as though there is something objectionable about being alone, and that you must therefore be lonely. As a result, you do feel alone. I used to pull out a book or writing paper to seem busy. Then a friend shared this story.

She and her business partner closed a huge contract in New York. Although her partner had to fly out immediately, my friend decided to celebrate with a delicious dinner and wine at one of the top Manhattan restaurants.

When she arrived the maître d’hôtel looked down his nose at her and announced, “Ah, I see Madam is alone tonight.” My friend’s prompt reply was, “Oh, no, tonight I am with myself!”

Her story changed my outlook from eating alone, to eating “with myself”. I now savor the moment, the food, and the joy of being in my own good company.

Today at the Tampa airport the woman who greeted me asked, “A party of one?” I responded, “Yes. And it is going to be a great party!” – And it was.

Next time you eat out alone, glow with age esteem and make it a party of one.

Bonnie Fatio

Tips To Avoid Intestinal Gas

In certain instances gas is produced during the digestive process. This can lead to bloating and flatulence.

Some foods that aid in intestinal gas accumulation are rice, wheat, oat and corn cereals, raw vegetables, fruit, cabbage, dried beans, onions, and white bread to list a few.

Here are six good habits to adopt for healthy aging in order to prevent or aid this problem: 
1.    Eat several small meals with less fat and smaller portions, and chew food well. 
2.    Avoid carbonated drinks. 
3.    Walk for 15 minutes after having eaten a meal.
4.    Drink herbal teas. 
5.    Avoid stress, which is a key to bloating. The digestive system is connected to the nervous system and thus affects how food is processed in the body.

Since we often find ourselves eating alone as we get older, let me also add an Age Esteem tip. Take time to enjoy your meal. Even if you are eating alone, sit down to eat at a table you have set with attention. Use your good china and a colorful napkin. And why not add a candle or flowers? After all, you are worth the extra effort. – And it will ease your digestion.

Grandma Nature