Come together

It would seem that Bollywood stars have something to teach America about family and coming together.

Oprah Winfrey, one of America's most famous people, on Monday interviewed Aishwarya Rai and Abhiskek Bachchan, Bollywood heavweights with billions of fans around the globe. Oprah asked the gorgeous married couple about life with his parents. Ash and Abhi, as they are popularly known, explained that living under the same roof with his parents is completely natural in their part of the world, and respect for elders is of paramount importance. Wow, what a concept, eh?

Though they're in their 30s, Ash and Abhi must abide by a few household rules. "One of the rules in the house set by Mom is if we're all in the city, we have to have one meal a day together," Ash told Oprah.

Imagine an America in which every family made it a point to sit down for one meal a day together when everyone is around. No closing oneself in a bedroom to check email or play video games. No gulping down food over the kitchen sink. No eating around the TV. No heating frozen entrees in the microwave before everyone goes to their separate corners. Imagine a real emphasis placed on the importance of eating together and respecting each other.

Yes, our time seems to slip away all too easily, and our best-laid plans often go awry. But what if we really made the effort? We could start small, with just one dinner together as a family (whatever your definition of family is) each week. Big things could grow from there.

Here's a good way to kick it all off. Macy's is in the midst of raising enough money to provide 10 million meals for the hungry. All you have to do is host a dinner party, invite some friends, ask them to make donations, and Macy's will match what you raise. Better yet, make it a family and friends dinner and make a good, healthful, home-cooked meal using local produce. That could start a new healthful practice as well.

The Macy's Web site has all the Come Together information, along with tips from Martha Stewart (who likely will want you to paint some pumpkins or weave goat hair for a centerpiece or something).

At my house, my mom and I are planning a Skinny Come Together Dinner to celebrate a friend's recent 80-pound weight loss. Needless to say, we will be serving healthful dishes, along with lots of laughs.

So, I challenge you to raise hope, raise money, raise your health and raise a glass. Please let me know if you host a Come Together dinner and how it turned out.