We make far too much fuss about food. If only we could approach it like our grandparents did - as an apportunity to sit together around a table and catch up on events over home-made, fresh-cooked seasonal food, life would be a lot healthier and more pleasurable. And less expensive. If you want to enjoy food as it should be enjoyed, this is all you need to consider:

  Food is not just fuel. It provides one of life's great, simple and convivial pleasures.
  Never eat standing up or on the move. Always sit down to eat, preferably with company. But take time to make it an enjoyable and thoughtful experience.
  Never eat between meals.
  Only ever serve yourself one helping.
  Don't buy processed food.
  Cook your food yourself: you'll save money and eat more healthily. Don't leave it to a manufacturer who has to stuff it with preservatives to keep it safe on the shelves for months, nor to a supermarket deli counter where the cost of the ready-meal you buy includes the staff's wages, the rent of the supermarket, utilities and other hidden charges.
  Don't be fearful of cooking: if you can read a book, you can cook. Take it one step at a time.
  Buy from a local producer where you can. Not only will you keep his or her business going, if it costs you more initially, you will probably respect your food more so waste less of it which means it costs you less.
  Eat in season. What do you believe asparagus or strawberries in January can offer you that is better than a local rutabaga, squash or baked apple? And besides, what's to look forward to in June if you're eating unseasonal items all year round?
  Don't buy more than you need. Americans throw out at least 25 percent of all food they buy.
  And for heaven's sake don't feel guilty about food. If you want a chocolate truffle, relish every last lick. Take-outs make a great break. Cookies, cakes and ice cream some of life's great pleasures. Eat what you choose to eat with the maximum enjoyment, or what's the point?