THE ART OF EATING

Imagine eating a delicious, healthy lunch in a cafe with friends and taking the time to savor every bite. Then imagine stuffing a burger down, drops of grease falling in your lap as you drive down a crowded freeway back to work. It’s not hard to realize which of these scenarios is kinder--not just to your body but to your soul. Deborah Kesten notes, “Every world religion and tradition espouses bringing moment-to-moment mindfulness and non-judgmental awareness, to every aspect of the meal. Buddhists believe this is one path to enlightenment.” Kesten explores the connection between a loving consciousness and food--how food affects our moods, the history of some of our eating habits, and how “spiritual nutrition” enables us to establish a healthier relationship with food, combining ritual, intention, spirit and love. A nutritionist and writer who specializes in preventative medicine, Kesten travels the country giving seminars and workshops on the connections among food, spirituality and health.