wordless way of saying grace

I am excited that I finished Michael Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma" because even though I really liked this book I had a hard time getting into it back when I borrowed it from the library.  In fact, I maxed out my limit of three renewals and gave up trying to read it.  My friend and I would always end up talking about this book and she encouraged me to give it another try.  Instead of having to get another library version, she kindly lent me her own copy.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the ending when Pollan has finally prepared his meal that he spend so much time foraging, hunting, and gathering for.  He put a lot (physically and emotionally) into this project and ended with a meal with those who've taught him all about it.  He describes how he meant to prepare a speech laced with praise and appreciation.  One of those moments we all have of thinking up great things to say before or after but can never remember at the appropriate time.  He realizes how his way of saying grace before this meal didn't have to be words that he prepared because every second that went into finding and making this meal were mindful and therefore appreciated and blessed and thanked.
My problem with this type of book (read also, "Eating Animals") is that I develop this temporary obsession over every single thing that goes into my mouth and drive those around me nuts.  I had been a successful vegetarian for 6 months last year, but it was at the expense of my mother and sister.  Since they buy and prepare 90% of my food for me, I not only was inflicting my new ways on myself, but them too.  I finally gave up and became what I call a mindful eater- I make sure to think about what I am putting into my mouth.  
I think this book should be required reading in our high schools.  Too many people are ignorant about what goes on in our food industry and if this was read some eyes would be open.  These generations coming up right now need some accountability for the actions that are done to our environment, especially when it comes to poor food choices.  We have so much to be grateful for and it seems to be just wasted or misused.  How can a change be made if they don't even see a problem?