During National Nutrition Week, we explore the four pillars of how food affects us. These pillars include our physical, social, cultural, and emotional well-being. We also share helpful tips from our dietitians who support NDIS and private participants.
What does food really mean to us?
Food is a vital component of life. But food is more than just physical health, it nourishes people socially, culturally and emotionally.
Can you remember a time when food played a role in strengthening your relationship with family or friends? Any occasions where people of different cultures come together and enjoy food happily? One is coming up – Christmas.
Australia is a multicultural country with people coming from all around the world. You can find many different cuisines in Australia. You can enjoy Western Thanksgiving grilled turkey or Asian Korean kimbap.
So, we are not robots munching on nutrients, we are social beings that connect with food on emotional levels. Need some examples? Here are some situations you may have encountered with some tips from Nutrition Australia NSW and our Dietitians at ORS.
Physical: Fuel for Life
At its core, food is vital for our survival. It provides the nutrients and energy required for our bodies to function optimally.
The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating tells us that a balanced diet includes all five food groups. These groups are whole grains, dairy, meat, vegetables, and fruits. They all play crucial roles in maintaining health, growth, and repair. But also don’t forget about the other benefits that foods bring us on the social, cultural and emotional level.
Social: Food has a magical way of bringing people together
Meals are often at the heart of our social interactions. Family dinners, potlucks, or communal gatherings are the times when people come together and socialise with food.
There are often a lot of choices available and what can we do with that? Listen to your body, feel your body. Strive to eat until you’re comfortably full, not stuffed. So, next time you sit down for a bite with your beloved family and friends, remember to listen, feel, and savour every moment.
Cultural: Our traditional cuisine
Traditional recipes, cooking methods, and dining customs are passed down through generations, shaping the foods we eat today. Australian cuisine is a fusion of traditional and modern influences which utilises fresh and local ingredients.
Feel free to be adventurous. Don’t be afraid to buy fresh ingredients from your local grocery store. Be creative with your cooking methods! Just some ideas to get you started, grilling and steaming are healthy, low-fat methods to cook.
Emotional: Comfort food
Everyone has their comfort food, especially during times of stress or nostalgia. For some, preparing their favourite recipes passed through generations is a source of emotional well-being. While for others, savouring food is the source of emotional outlet.
Regardless, the nutrients in our food play key a role in our mood. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, nuts and seeds, are linked to lower levels of depression and cognitive decline. Â Try to include them in your meals to boost your mood!
Now you know food extends far beyond the mere act of eating. It nourishes us physically, connects us socially, preserves cultural traditions, and comforts us emotionally. By appreciating all these aspects, we can make more mindful choices that enhance our well-being and enrich our lives.
So, the next time you sit down for a meal, think of the tips we have mentioned and take a moment to savour its full impact on all aspects of your being.
If you need help with this, please contact us. We offer dietetic support from our accredited practising dietitians in our ORS Clinics. You can also meet with us in the comfort of your home. We can even arrange a dietitian telehealth consult for you.
If you have great food experiences or interesting food stories, share them with us on Facebook or Instagram. Or tag us @ORSgroup and @nutritionaustraliansw.
Now you know food extends far beyond the mere act of eating. It nourishes us physically, connects us socially, preserves cultural traditions, and comforts us emotionally. By appreciating all these aspects, we can make more mindful choices that enhance our well-being and enrich our lives.
So, the next time you sit down for a meal, think of the tips we have mentioned and take a moment to savour its full impact on all aspects of your being.
If you need help with this, please contact us. We offer dietetic support from our accredited practising dietitians in our ORS Clinics. You can also meet with us in the comfort of your home. We can even arrange a dietitian telehealth consult for you.
If you have great food experiences or interesting food stories, share them with us on Facebook or Instagram. Or tag us @ORSgroup and @nutritionaustraliansw.
