One of the most powerful ways you can start a meal is by expressing appreciation for it. Not only is it a gift to have food, it also nourishes you emotionally, mentally, and physically. I mean, really, how cool is it that we get to eat? That's something to be grateful for!
Saying grace acknowledges this gift, relaxes your body, and thus, allows you to better digest your food. The book A Grateful Heart is filled with a variety of ways to say grace. Here's a few of my favorites:
"For each of us food is the source of sustenance, the basis of life; and when we offer this gift to one another, we are not only nourishing each other's bodies, we are feeding one another's spirits. So receive - and give - the food of your life as the powerful gift it is." ~ Daphne Rose Kingma
"We begin by honoring the Light. We light these candles for our families, our beloveds, our friends, for all our relations; For those who are near and for those from who we feel an unwanted distance; For the newborn, for the elderly, and for all the wounded children. May the candles inspire us to use our powers to heal and not to harm, to help and not to hinder, to bless and not to curse. May their radiance pour out upon our hearts, and spread light into the darkened corners of our world." ~ adapted from a Passover Haggadah by Rachel Altman and Mary Jane Ryan
And one from my mom:
"Bless this food and all those who brought it forth from the planet, and for the planet for producing this beautiful, nourishing, and tasty food, for the people who put it together, and for being able to share it with each other."
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