I usually have a very small breakfast, then I wait an hour and have my workout. After the workout, I have again something little to eat.

The same went for breakfast, we had to be ready for “breakfast time” in the morning. If we had an early day and had to leave early my mother would make us eat something anyway. On weekends, we always ate three meals together, even if we were out and ate out for a meal together.

I still carried on the tradition of setting out the table for dinner when I was married, I would invite people for dinner often because he was deployed in Iraq a lot. Later, for a while, after my husband was gone, I lived with a lady who laid out all her finest dishes and foods for dinner. I learned living with her how much better food tastes with a fine setting and good friends. We had company for dinner every night, the more the better she would say. I really enjoyed my time living with her.

These days are so busy, I am in school full time and work 5 days a week. I have a little boy and we sometimes set the table, but more often than not, we make our plates and sit at the buffet on bar stools together instead. We don’t have a microwave, or really anything that makes quick meals. Maybe I figured since I spend time cooking I can save time by eating quickly. I still make it a point to have silverware, drinks, and eat together. If I have a snack we always eat it sitting down and not in front of the t.v.. We will eat popcorn on the couch if we are watching a movie. We don’t have t.v., like cable or anything and only watch movies maybe 2 times a month though.

I think you’ve just inspired me to remember my roots, and as I type I am making plans to pre-set my dinning room table and make the commitment to only eat at the table for dinner from now on. I want my son to have the same wonderful food experience I had growing up. I believe it does contribute to positive thoughts about food. Not one of myself or 3 sisters ever had issues with body image or an eating disorder, nor do any of us have weight issues… maybe there is someting to be said for that.

Great post, Thank You for everything and now inspiring me to be a better parent too :D

First, I just love everything you do and I never miss one of your workout! I have this question for you: If you eat 5 to 6 small meals a day every 3 hours and if you have to wait at least 3 hours after eating before working out, so when is the best time to workout? When are you working out? Some people told me that it`s good to workout in the morning before eating and then after, you get a nice protein breakfest… I try it, and no good for me… I have no energy. Sorry if I did mistakes, but I`m not use to right in English. I`m a french Canadian from Quebec, Montreal.

Judy