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There's more to eating than just consuming energy and building blocks. The process of eating has a tremendous influence on our emotions. It can make us feel good! Chocolate is known to make us happy (at least most of us). Being full after a good meal makes us feel satisfied. A certain flavor experience makes us happy. Some people who are sad or depressed frequently use foods (or drinks) to cheer up.
Moreover, few activities are as enjoyable as sharing a meal and connecting with others. Shared meals often play a central role in happy families and communities. Special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and holidays are often celebrated by preparing and sharing specific traditional dishes. Think of turkey at Thanksgiving or your birthday cake. The whole meal experience can take hours, from preparing the courses (appetizers, main courses, side dishes, desserts) and setting the table, to eating and talking, to clearing the table and washing the dishes. Sharing meals brings people together, creates harmony, and fosters communication, whether in private, business or politics.
Observe how the experiences of eating alone or sharing a meal make you feel. What are your favorite meal occasions? Why?
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