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Eating with manners can certainly be helpful if youÕre trying to make a decent impression on a date, at a business meeting or on any social occasion Ð it might even help keep a marriage together. According to Robin Abrahams, The Boston GlobeÕs manners expert, ÒThe writer Peg Bracken, in her 1960s etiquette book I Try to Behave Myself, explained that Ô[T]he raison dÕetre of table etiquette is to make the fairly unattractive spectacle of ingesting food as unobjectionable as possible.ÕÓ However, there is an even better reason to eat with etiquette: It can help you to lose weight. Here are a few table manners that will help you look better in two ways Ð your waistline and your eating style. DonÕt Talk with Your Mouth Full: OK, this is obvious, but just take a peek around the next time youÕre at a restaurant Ð most people have forgotten or choose to ignore this classic rule. ÒNo one likes to see a mouth stuffed full of food Ð especially if the mouth is also attempting to talk. Do put down your fork or chopsticks occasionally and direct your attention to the conversation,Ó says Abrahams. ÒNot only will this remind your dining partners that the food is but an excuse for their company Ð not the other way around Ð but it will give your body a break in which it can tell you, ÔWeÕve had enough, thanks,ÕÓ says Abrahams. When you eat with your mouth closed you typically take smaller bites, and as result you probably will not eat as much. Also, research shows that chewing with your mouth open, swallowing air or a large quantity of food, and eating too fast are the main causes of indigestion, acid reflux and heartburn. Smaller is Better: According to Susan Fox, the founder of Etiquette Survival and author of Etiquette for Dummies, the rule is to not take more on your plate than you can eat. Overeating is bad for your health, and it isnÕt polite to overload your plate. Keep your portions small; you can always take more if you wish, says Fox. We tend to clean our plate Ð whatever is on it we eat. So, by keeping portions small, and having to make a conscious decision to get more, youÕll eat less. Also, when youÕre at someoneÕs home, itÕs considered good manners to leave a bit on your plate to let the hostess know sheÕs prepared more than enough food. DonÕt leave all of any one food however, or your hostess will think Ñ probably with reason Ñ that you didnÕt like it. Be Formal: ÒEating is not swallowing ÔsomethingÕ because itÕs 6 oÕclock at night and itÕs mealtime; itÕs enjoying the food, the guests and your friends,Ó says Michele Wilson, creator of the DVD Manners by Michele: Restaurant Etiquette and Wines Plus How to Set the Table. Always prepare a nice table for dinner Ð even if youÕre eating alone. ÒMake the effort to have nice place mats or a tablecloth. Add some flowers that will complement the color of the tablecloth. Add the glass for the wine, if any, and a glass for the water. Do not forget the napkin always placed at the left side of your dinner plate,Ó says Wilson. You should even try some smooth music to add to the ambiance. ÒEverything should shine, including the silverware,Ó she adds. And, yes, this may seem over-the-top Ð but it works. Maybe getting just a little more formal than eating right out of the container while standing by the fridge would work, too. See 'Appr...' on pg. Continued from pg. You have the decor, now dress the part. DonÕt eat in sweat pants. Put on a nice outfit, and make it clear that youÕre eating. You donÕt have to do this every night Ð just most nights. Appreciating the food you eat means you eat consciously, and as a result eat healthier foods, and less food altogether. Keep it Straight: ÒYou need to pay attention to your posture and body language. During the meal, keep both feet flat on the floor or cross your feet at the ankles. DonÕt cross your legs at the knees, and donÕt prop your feet on chair rungs or table legs or wrap them around anything handy under the table,Ó says Fox. She also recommends that you sit up straight on the front three-quarters of your chair. ÒThis way, you shouldnÕt have to bend over your food; you can simply bring your utensils to your mouth. DonÕt rush when you lift your food from the table to your mouth. DonÕt bend closely over your plate or try to meet your utensils halfway.Ó This will make you a more conscious eater. That means youÕll also be more aware of how much youÕre eating. Stay Balanced: According to Fox, you should keep pace with others at the table; do not eat too slowly or too quickly. ÒDining is about balance. Everyone should be doing the same thing about the same time. Watch and be aware of the other diners. You do not want to be sitting there with an empty plate when everyone else still has food left and a ways to go,Ó says Fox. Not eating too quickly, and being consciously aware of what youÕre eating help to control consumption. Your stomach will finally get a chance to catch up with your mind Ð youÕll realize how much youÕve eaten, and eat less. However, ÒItÕs human nature to mimic othersÕ eating behavior, so be aware of this when you go out with people who routinely eat or drink more than you are comfortable with. If everyone else wants dessert, order a cup of decaf or herbal tea so that theyÕll feel youÕre keeping them company. If you order only an appetizer or salad, make sure itÕs brought out with the dinner,Ó says Abrahams. Stick to Your Own Plate: Not only is it considered bad manners to reach across the table and pick a tempting morsel off your dining companionÕs plate, but also, those little ÒtastesÓ can add up to a lot of extra calories. Leave It Alone: Leave your plate where it is when you are finished with the meal. Seeing the remains (even if it is just sauce) keeps you aware of what you just consumed. The server will know to remove it if you have placed your utensils across the plate in the rest position. DonÕt Dip: Fox advises against dipping, dunking or wiping sauces with your bread. The only time dipping is acceptable is if thereÕs a small dish of olive oil on the table to use in place of butter or if youÕre eating a fondue. Otherwise, dipping and dunking are not only bad manners, but those gravies, sauces and the bread can also add up to lots of extra calories, says Fox. Charles Stuart Platkin is a nutrition and public health advocate, founder and editor of DietDetective.com.
