By Michele Reger
National Nutrition Month®, observed each March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, highlights the importance of making informed food choices, cultivating healthy eating habits, and enhancing physical activity. To fuel our bodies effectively, we must eat nutrient-rich foods that support bodily functions, focusing on a balanced diet rich in fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. With dietary recommendations, healthy recipes, and nutritional advice readily available, we can explore food options that support wellness and vitality. Yet, food is much more than just a biological necessity. The experience of eating can be just as important, if not more so, than our food choices themselves. This year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” offers the opportunity to consider not only what we eat but how we eat, emphasizing the role food plays in our connections, communication, and relationships that are fundamental to our overall health and quality of life.
Food connects us through social interactions. We bond while sharing a meal. Whether it’s a formal gathering, a casual get-together with friends, or a family celebration, eating with others fosters a sense of belonging. Think about a quick lunch you ate while multi-tasking–perhaps at the kitchen counter while unloading the dishwasher or in the car while running errands. Your body received nourishment from the food, but the experience lacked the value of savoring those bites and being fully present while you ate. When we eat quickly or while distracted, our bodies release stress hormones that disrupt digestion, and we are less likely to feel satisfied. In contrast, think about a meal you enjoyed with others–perhaps at a wedding reception, family dinner, or church potluck. Being surrounded by friends and family who were also enjoying a spread of tasty dishes allowed for conversation, interaction, and relationship-building, all of which contribute to the release of oxytocin and endorphins–”feel good” hormones–in our bodies. According to a 2017 study by the University of Oxford, people who eat socially feel happier, more satisfied, more trusting of others, and more supported in life. Connecting over food also activates our parasympathetic nervous system, promoting better digestion and wellness.
Food connects us through cultural traditions, too. Our heritage is highlighted by the customs we observe.
Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a seasonal harvest, or even a tough time, sharing food helps build our sense of community. Many of us eat traditional foods at holidays and celebrations. The preparation and sharing of these dishes strengthens relationships and creates pleasurable memories. Dr. Amy Hanser of The University of British Columbia (4/30/24) notes that food is a part of social life through which our cultural beliefs and practices are expressed and continued through generations. Our traditional meals are less about the food and more about gathering with loved ones, reinforcing our sense of belonging and safety, supporting our well-being. Similarly, by offering the perfect garden tomato or sharing deer meat during hunting season, we connect with neighbors and friends, celebrating our local heritage by savoring regional foods that nourish our bodies and remind us of the shared values that connect us all. In addition, food fosters connection during times of hardship or grief. The custom of sharing food is an act of comfort and support when we bring meals to those who are ill or suffering from loss. Nourishing others provides emotional sustenance and builds a culture of caring and togetherness that is essential for our health and survival.
Food is fuel for our bodies, and when used to connect with others, it is a power source for our well-being. How we engage with food significantly impacts our overall health and quality of life.
