We eat 3 meals a day, every day of our lives.  That's 1095 meals a year.  Even if we miss a few meals, we eat over 1000 meals every year.  We eat to live, a requirement to keep us alive.  When we do it well, we eat healthy to keep our body healthy and live even longer.  But I also eat for another reason--to improve my mental happiness and sometimes expand my world.

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I look at many meals as an opportunity to improve my happiness level.  I choose them somewhat carefully--what would I love to eat this week?  I'll drive a little farther to get that authentic NY pizza I haven't had in several months.  I'll search around the city where my doctor's appointment is and see what's good, a little hole in the wall with great reviews, or a popular joint with "the best caesar salad".

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And if I'm not craving something in particular, I'll search out an ethnic restaurant or store and try what's popular in their home country, because I bet they're good at making their popular dish. And just because I can't pronounce it and have never heard of it, doesn't mean its weird or not delicious.  I keep an open mind and an open mouth.  And if I don't like it, I don't have to finish it--no harm done.

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I share some of my food experiences here in case they inspire anyone to push the boundaries of their comfort zone or just give someone a tip on some great food to try!  Happy eating.