Over the past few months, I have been working hard to heed the advice to “live in the moment.” Although I have been able to practice this technique for 10-15 minutes at a time while running or doing yoga, I struggle to find this peace of mind in other areas of my life. In this way, my two-year-old daughter has been a great source of inspiration for me. Toddlers don’t have the mental capacity to overanalyze, worry obsessively or dwell on the negative, and I love this about my little girl. I know it won’t last forever, so I want to learn from her smart ways while I can.

I paid close attention to her during a recent family dinner. She was so present during mealtime. When she bites into an apple, she feels and examines the fruit in her hand, looks at it closely with her big eyes and then loudly crunches into it with fruit juice spilling out of her mouth. It reminded me that she was setting such a great example for me - reminding me how to truly enjoy my foods. (If you have spent time in Europe, you probably noticed that the French are pretty good at this, too!)

In our busy lives today, we often eat so fast, in the car, standing up and on-the-fly like it is a contest. And we forget to savor each delicious bite. But if you want to maintain your weight and stay healthy this year, slow down a bit while you dine and be in the moment with your meal.

Before diving into your plate, check out the vibrant colors of your meal. Hopefully, you will see some beautiful reds (tomatoes), vibrant greens (spinach), or bright purples (eggplants), knowing that these bright colors come naturally from mother nature’s hands. Feel the foods in your hands if possible, and discover the huge variety of textures, skins and sensations in foods. Smell the food, like you would inhale the lovely aroma of flowers on the first day of spring. Let the food sit on your tongue for at least a couple seconds before starting to chew it. See if you can pull out any mild herb flavors or hidden spices. Pretend to be a food critic if you like!

Nobody would expect you to eat like a toddler or French woman for every meal this year, but consider trying it one night this week. And share your experience with us!