sharing winter foods

EATING WITH OTHER PEOPLE CAN BENEFIT YOUR PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SOCIAL WELLBEING. WHETHER YOU’RE SHARING A MEAL WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY OR COLLEAGUES, IT CAN DEVELOP A SENSE OF CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY, ENHANCING THE ENJOYMENT OF YOUR FOOD AS WELL AS AN APPRECIATION FOR DIFFERENT CULTURES AND TRADITIONS.

As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, there's nothing like a hearty, warming meal to help combat the Winter chill. Whether you're looking for a comforting bowl of soup or a filling casserole, the best part of cooking in winter is sharing the results (and hopefully the cleaning-up!) with your friends or family.

Next time you have the chance to share a meal with others, embrace it – it may just be one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing.

Why eat together?

Better digestion: When we eat with others, we tend to eat more slowly and chew our food more thoroughly.1 This can help with digestion and nutrient absorption, and reduce bloating and indigestion. This is particularly beneficial if you usually eat while looking at your phone or TV, which discourages thoughtful eating. Improved mental wellbeing: Eating with others can provide a sense of connection and social support, which is important for mental health and wellbeing. It can provide a sense of comfort and relaxation, and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.2 Food has been bringing people together since humans first walked the Earth, and our brains are still hardwired to appreciate that ritual.

Healthier food choices: When we eat with others, we may be more likely to choose healthier food options. Food is an expression of love and caring, so we often make more effort when cooking for others. We're likely to choose fresh and enticing ingredients, and fewer processed foods.3

Increased enjoyment: Shared mealtimes can be more enjoyable and satisfying, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy. This in turn can enhance our appreciation of the flavours and textures of the food 2 Improved social skills: Eating with others means we engage in conversation, listen attentively and take more care with our table manners.

Increased cultural awareness: ‘Breaking bread’ together is an important part of many cultural and religious traditions, and can help build a sense of community and shared identity. Eating with people from different cultural backgrounds can increase our appreciation of different food traditions and customs, helping us to learn about their food, language and customs, It can be a great way to promote understanding and respect across cultural divides.

1Breaking bread: the functions ofsocial eating: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007 /s40750-017-0061-4

2Social eating connects communities: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-03-16-social eating-connects-communities

3Diet and health benefits associated with in-home eating and sharing meals at home: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7915304/

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