Last week, the Obama administration called for a “re-authorization of the Child Nutrition Act…to improve the health and nutrition of our nation’s children”. This statement was made in the same week that a Nightline “Face Off” special was devoted to the thin vs. fat debate. In a recent piece for the Huffington Post, Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, basically made a direct correlation between the figurative health of our country and the literal health of our children stating that our children and grandchildren will bear the burden of needing to be the healthiest generation of children in our nation’s history. With childhood obesity at an all time high, and statistics across the board reminding us of the incredible challenge ahead, the pressure of needing to be even more healthy is a very big pill to swallow and requires addressing at every angle. Our children’s futures are depending on it!



So perhaps it is time for our nation’s leaders to consider this epidemic from a different point of view, one that is taken from the viewpoint of manners. As an etiquette instructor working closely with children and a parent who grew up in a household where unsalted health food potato chips were considered a treat, I feel I have the necessary personal experience to address this subject. I understand the health issue and I also know the positive influence a few good manners can make! Let's take a closer look at exactly how some very basic principles of comportment during mealtime can be used to combat obesity.



1. Focus on Posture. One of the biggest issues at the table is the issue of slouching while eating. A simple focus on good posture and sitting up straight will automatically create a more elongated figure and a more confident presence. Good posture at the table not only adds inches to your frame, but it also makes it much easier to digest your food. Sitting up straight in a chair forces you to hold in your stomach and keep your shoulders back and it is hard work! Trust me, when you sit correctly in this position you will not want to overeat.



2. Begin Dressing for Dinner. Or breakfast or lunch for that matter. Back in the day, adults and children dressed before coming to the table. They made sure they were properly groomed and coiffed. Men wore suits and women elegant house dresses. Girls wore knee-length dresses with matching sweater sets and boys wore slacks with button downs and smart sweaters. Why has it become acceptable to be so casually dressed at the table? Perhaps if we slip out of our sweatsuits and into some Spanx under an elegant dress, we might eat less! It just makes sense that when you take the time to present yourself properly at the table, you are more likely to eat with equal poise.



3. Create Atmosphere. When dining at home, take the time to create atmosphere. Set a nice table, break out the good china, light some candles, put on some nice mood music. This helps set the tone for the entire dining experience. Dining together is meant to be pleasurable and civilized. This is what separates us from the barbarians. With every detail carefully put into place, it would be considered disrespectful to just mow through your meal. Instead, you will want to relax and savor each bite and might even be persuaded to eat a little less and enjoy a little more.



4. Concentrate on Conversation. Long before the invention of iPhones and Blackberries, attendees at the table were required to look one another in the eye and