The Importance of Eating Together
Many of us like to put a lot of focus on “growing” in our career that we often tend to forget to entertain the things in life that are truly meaningful and important to us ─ the relationships in our lives.
The holidays can sometimes seem overly heavily focused on the concept of consumption, but in reality, it’s a time of the year that give us all a chance to reflect, spend time with others, catch up over lost time, as well as experience and appreciate moments with the people with whom we love and cherish the most.
As we welcome in the new year, I invite you all to take a step a back, take a deep breath and make an effort to embrace the time spent in good company. Friends, family, significant others…and enjoy something we all love to do: eat food!
The benefits of eating with others
Learn from & spend time with others. We often get derailed by trying to figure out/master our own lives that we tend to forget those around us. Let food be a time to get to know each other or better understand those who surround you.
Improve mood and morale. Life can sometimes feel incredibly dull and lonely ─ don’t let the isolation bring you down! Invite someone along to enjoy it with you.
Eat better. Eating with others helps you to slow down, enjoy the food you so preciously made and overall, just enjoy your food more!
2. How to eat more meals together
Cook together. Two (hands) is better than one. Bonus: it’s always great to get some extra help in the kitchen!
Set regular times to eat. We are all ‘busy’, but consistency in our routines is the key to eating and living better, and to help stay on track. Try dedicating specific times in your daily routine to simply…eat.
Cook a meal for everyone to enjoy. Whether with friends and family, everything is kosher when there’s food involved.
3. Some quick tips when cooking with others.
Play some music. Keep the vibes up! Check out my go-to Christmas dinner playlist here.
Prepare the ingredients. Cooking requires a bit of prep work! It’s always a good idea to set yourself up in advance for a time of fun & pleasure.
Have a clean up ritual. No one wants to wake up to a sink full of dishes. Show your support by simply offering to help out!
4. Meals to share/to make together
A cheesy veggie or pasta casserole. Try this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole and Pasta Bake with Sausage
A colourful winter salad. Try this Fall Harvest Roasted Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad and Roasted Beet Salad With Arugula and Balsamic Vinaigrette.
A hearty sweet or savoury pie.For you savoury peeps, check out this recipe for DIY Quiche, and for you sweet lovers out there, try this Cranberry Ginger Pear Pie.
5. Meal ideas to encourage eating together during the holidays
A cheesy raclette
A holiday brunch spread
A themed potluck
Food will always be a necessity, and is meant to be enjoyed with others.
With the holidays in full swing, here are a few things to keep in mind before, during and after the festivities.
Dedicate a space and time(s) to just eat ─ working from home is an adjustment, don’t make food a stressful part of your day.
Choose recipe meals that you can share ─ sharing is caring! Remember, more food = more leftovers.
Set the tone & mood ─ play some music, enjoy the good food & company and remember to sing along!
Happy Holidays everyone.