Now that you've assembled a group of medical experts, I'm going to suggest you find the need to use them as seldom as possible — which is my way of saying you should feed yourself well. Here's how:

—Give your mealtimes importance by thinking about their goodness. While you're eating, consciously appreciate the food's taste, the love you've put into its preparation, the experience of actually taking this nourishment into your body. Reflect on the blessing of having food while so many do not, of having tasty and healthful foods. Eating alone can be turned into communion, a time to ingest not only the food but the meaning of health and nourishment. (Reading during the meal is OK some of the time, but frankly, it can distract you from the pleasure of eating.) When you concentrate on the event itself, you'll elevate the pleasure of eating to its highest purpose.

—Be your own guest. You deserve the good dishes and cloth napkins as much as your guests. Have wine with dinner, if you're in the mood, or a cocktail in the kitchen while you're prepping the veggies.

—Invite friends over for dinner — often. Having someone to please makes cooking more fun.

—Eat more potatoes, not fewer. They are a good source of potassium and perfect for a one-person meal. (Bake them in the toaster oven, please; microwaved potatoes are not memorable.) And when you substitute cottage cheese for butter and sour cream, the calorie count plummets.

—Broccoli is a nearly perfect food. Peas are high in fiber. Kidney beans are a good protein substitute. Learn more about foods through the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a fount of unbiased straight talk about nutrition. How can the group be trusted to tell it like it is? It accepts no advertising. I can practically guarantee you'll eat up the group's monthly newsletter. (Yes, every pun intended.)

—Frozen and convenience foods are pricey — and high in sodium. Instead, cook fresh foods and freeze small portions in sandwich-sized baggies.

—Take a daily calcium supplement if you don't drink three glasses of low-fat milk daily or the equivalent. Be sure to take a daily multivitamin with minerals.

—Substitute whole-grain bread for empty-calorie snacks.

—Add fresh fruit to plain low-fat yogurt, giving you less sugar and fat than you would eat in packaged fruit yogurt. Plus, it's cheaper.

—If you kind of like to bake but hesitate to start because you're the only one around to eat the results, motivate yourself by donating your breads and cakes to a local Meals on Wheels or a food kitchen.

—Consider getting your friends together and starting a food cooperative to buy fresh foods in large amounts.

—Walking after dinner is a healthy habit to develop. It's good for digestion and a good way to sort out the day's happenings. Sometimes bring along your earbuds and listen to audiobooks or music while you're moving the bod. They make ideal companions because they don't expect any answers.

—Most importantly, start eating as if food is fuel for your body and mind. If mealtime has become too big an issue in your life, it's time to re-examine your pleasures. If you think you have an eating disorder, please seek help from your physician, or — pause — consider joining a weight-loss support group.

DEAR READERS: We've uncovered a treasure-trove of "Single File" paperbacks — in perfect condition, ready to read. Send $15 and your address to: Susan Deitz, C/O Creators Syndicate, 737 Third St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. I'll send you a signed copy.

Have a question for Susan? You can reach her directly at susan@single-file.com.