Why have we become a nation obsessed with the idea that if we stick it in our mouths it must be either vitamin packed, nutritionally sound, or energy provoking.
What happened to the sensual act of dining? All five of our senses are involved in the art of dining. Taste and scent the most obvious, but sight, touch and hearing are affected, as well. When I hear popcorn popping in my microwave I can already taste the salty, buttery kernnals and eagerly grab a handful to taste. The pleasure consuming me while the buttery flavor melts in my mouth. When I hear the sound of a nice juicy hamburger dripping grease on the glowing coals of my grill I prepare a fresh, hot roll with ketchup and anticipate the rich flavor that will soon satisfy my tastbuds.
Usually dining is an experience we share with others. Even if it is a quick cup of coffee with our loved ones before we leave the house in the morning.
Think of what images are induced when you discuss various foods. For example- popcorn for me, normally reminds me of the movies. The grilling hamburger conjures up images of picnics, friends, family, volley ball, the fourth of July, and so on.
Champagne makes me think of elegantly dressed people either at a formal event, or at a wedding reception-the image of a celebration, shared. The last thing I would ask the host is “is this organic?” What do I care, it’s champagne and it is a celebration.
I feel like all the propaganda surrounding food has caused us to lose the enthusiasm for dining, reducing it to a scientific event done strickly for medicinal purposes. In the not too distant future we could all be taking little pills that will replace our entire food system as we know it. Salad-the little green pill -with added fiber, protein-the red pill (white if it is fish), desert-well, think of all our colors-you can have five to nine a day.
I am not suggesting that we live on a diet of (no offense to Hostess) Twinkies-I believe that food consumption should be done with some thought to the end result. However, don’t you think that if we just eat logically we will eat nutritionally balanced diets anyway?
If I am inviting friends and/or family to share an event that includes a meal I would naturally think of offering a salad, a main dish and a dessert. In additon to water, wine, soda or juice and, most likely, coffee and tea.
Dinner with my family normally includes salad, meat or fish, and fresh fruit for dessert. We enjoy the relationships we share, with our meal. It is at the dinner table that we socialize and teach our children manners and the art of conversation. Our cultural behaviours are handed down generation to generation with this simple ritual.
The diet industry is big business in America, and growing bigger everyday. The Health food industry is a burgeoning market. The vitamin industry is booming. With Baby boomers getting older everyday and continually seeking the proverbial “fountain of youth” these markets are just beginning to tap into their ultimate potential.
We are allowing these industries to sell us down the river with their claims of making us “healthier”. Look in your medicine cabinet. Chances are you have either a multi-vitamin, vitamin C, B6, B12,E -a mineral supplument, and or a fiber pill. Add up the cost of these items. This is monthly cost. Do you feel any healthier? This week the claim is Vitamin C protects you from a certain type of cancer. Next week they claim that same vitamin causes a different type of cancer. What next week?
I say eat a sound diet and all your nutritional needs will be met. Don’t believe all the propaganda the “industry experts” are throwing at us. They make money from their claims. Eat what your grandmothers put in front of you when you when to her house. She knew what she was talking about.
For my part I will continue to look at food as a “dining experience”, and leave science to the scientists.
Look at that corn fly!