There are two things that can bring people together: Good Food and Good Music.
Food helps us find our way closer to each other, as we gather together and prepare a meal and sit down to eat. In these moments of uncertainty, it is the familiar feeling food brings that offers the most comfort.
Making food and sharing meals with others, whether that means catching up over a simple dinner or eating at a massive celebration, is believed to lead to a happier and healthier life. Food brings us together, and here are seven ways it can benefit you and six recipes to treat you and those you love.
It gives us comfort. Sharing food with a friend or family during times of trouble not only nourishes our bodies but also our souls. Sometimes all we need is a meal that just hits the spot and takes us away from any emotional turmoil we’re having.
Meal Idea: Good Ole’ Burger and Fries
We can share our culture. Culture is a big part of food and food is a big part of many cultures. One way to bring people together through food and shared culture is by sharing a cultural dish from your family with your friends. Not only does cultural expression through food allow us to be exposed to new flavors, it also gives us an understanding of how others may deviate from our own in their cuisines.
Meal Idea: Shrimp Po’ Boy
(Did you know: Shrimp Po’Boys originated in New Orleans.)
It allows us to learn about food. Learning new things helps bring people together by encouraging them to start a conversation about food and interact with each other. Making food with others is a great opportunity to get the creative juices flowing and broaden our scope of what we can achieve with simple ingredients.
Meal Idea: Ginger, Lemon and Honey Smoothie
(Did you know: This smoothie is used as an immunity booster.)
It helps us live longer. Sharing meals with people you love leads to a longer lifespan because doing so gives you a strong connection with the people in your community. Of course, eating healthy is super important, but having emotional support from those around is vital for living a healthy, long life.
Meal Idea: Zucchini Lasagna
It helps us stay connected. It’s important to keep in touch with the people in our life, especially if you’re busy. It gives us a safe space to talk about our days, our ups and downs, our fears and anxieties, our joys and successes. Sharing a meal together is a great way to maintain our relationships.
Meal Idea: Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza
It inspires our creativity. “How did you prepare that dish?” “What ingredients did you put in it?” Food breaks all language barriers. It doesn’t matter where you are. If there is food or music, there is a kind of connection and understanding. You get to introduce people to new flavors or new things they have yet to try. The kitchen table becomes your common ground, where you can share in what creatively inspires you. It serves as a bridge over many things.
Meal Idea: Citrus Salmon Salad
There’s a difference between sharing food and sharing a meal. Eating together is a way of bonding. You have to learn to share. Food can change perceptions. We often have a story to tell with our food. At a time when difference threatens to pull communities apart, cooking and eating are among the things we are guaranteed to hold in common.
Listen while you cook, check out this article’s playlist here:
