What Does Food Mean to you?

My whole relationship with food has become consumed by the after-effects of my illness and dealing with them. As a result, I’ve forgotten that there’s more to food than this. And I don’t think I’m the only one. 【小题1】 While it is fantastic that there are so many inspiring books that encourage healthy eating this simply can’t be the extent of our relationship with food. What about our experiences with food? Putting aside the other stuff, what does food mean to you?

When I think about my experience with food, my thoughts immediately go to my family. For me, food is family. Every evening, my dad would make it home by 6pm so that we could all sit down and have dinner together. We would share the highs and lows of our days and on a Sunday we would chat about our plans for the week. We never ate dinner in front of the television and very rarely was it ever just my brother and me. 【小题2】 Now, despite the fact my brother and I have long since left home, whenever we return, it’s always about the food. Our parents plan the meals, sharing new recipes and dishing out family favourites, so that ultimately the food enhances our trip and creates new memories. Food truly is family.

【小题3】. Children who eat regularly with their families are at a lower risk of developing poor eating habits, weight problems or substance addictions. It also gives families a chance to reflect on their days together and forges stronger bonds between parents and children.

Everyone has a different attitude to food, and it will mean different things to different people. For me, though, good quality, healthy food is important, but without the socio-familial aspect, there is something sorely lacking from my relationship with food. 【小题4】. So while I will continue watching what I eat (because I have to), I’ll remember this is not food’s main attraction, but only a part of what food really means to me.