Engage the Senses
Part of learning to appreciate food involves engaging all of your senses, not just your sense of taste. You can't do that if you're watching TV, so I would suggest turning it off so you can actually enjoy your food!
Eating in front of the television is a great way to eat yourself fat. You lose track of how much you're eating when you're focusing on something else.
For many people, TV time is a sacrosanct time for munching mindlessly out of a bag. Stop being a bag lady! Start treating yourself like royalty. You don't have to go to a fine restaurant in order to treat yourself like royalty. Fine restaurants are great on special occasions, but you can also treat yourself right in the privacy of your own home with a well-stocked pantry, a nice tablecloth and napkins and decent dishes.
Fresh flowers on the table, a candle and music in the background don't hurt either. The point is to relax yourself and surround yourself with beauty and esthetics so that all your senses are engaged. That way it's not just your stomach that's running the show.
Now, you really wouldn't want to bring fast food into this picture and spoil it. I've never met an Italian who did not know how to cook, so I suggest you start learning your way around your own kitchen. It's the healthful way to live and eat. When you make your own food, you know exactly what is going into your mouth. Don't worry, it's easy to make delicious and appealing Italian fare without a lot of trouble. In fact, you'll see another article on the basics of stocking your kitchen and other articles on easy things to make, so that you can always prepare something quick and delicious.
I know there will be times when you're pressed and maybe fast food must be the order of the day. But in that case, choose the most nutritious thing on the menu and bring it home and set a nice place for yourself. It's relaxing and you deserve it. No plastic cups, plastic silverware, or cardboard dishes. This isn't kindergarten. In fact, if you have a garden or a balcony, dine al fresco whenever possible. It's soothing to look upon grass and flowers and trees and to hear birds singing or watch fireflies flitting through the dark. A garden setting is a fantastic setting for any meal. If you can't go outside, at least create an inviting atmosphere indoors -- one that's conducive to the sensual enjoyment of food.
Be the guest at your own table. In fact, treat food like sex. It's better in an appealing atmosphere, with the right company, and when take your time!