By Alyssa Havlovic, MS, RDN, ACSM EP-C, Extension Educator in Lancaster County
March is National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, focusing attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “Food Connects Us.”
Food has a unique way of bringing people together, acting as a universal language that transcends cultural and geographic boundaries. Sharing a meal allows us to connect with others, whether it's gathering around a family table, bonding with friends over a favorite dish or participating in a community celebration. Through food, we exchange stories, traditions and memories, creating a sense of belonging and warmth. The simple act of cooking or enjoying a meal together fosters relationships and strengthens our ties to one another, showing that no matter where we come from, we all share the fundamental need to nourish and be nourished.
Connecting with food goes beyond simply eating — it’s about developing a deeper relationship with what we consume, how we prepare it and how it makes us feel. Here are a few ways to foster a better connection with food.
PRACTICE MINDFUL EATING
Take the time to truly savor your meals. Slow down and focus on the flavors, textures and aromas of each bite. This allows you to become more aware of your body’s hunger cues and helps cultivate a healthier relationship with food.
PREPARE YOUR OWN MEALS
Cooking your own meals not only makes it easier to control the ingredients and their amounts, but you also get the opportunity to connect with the ingredients and the process. It’s a creative and rewarding activity that can help you appreciate the food you’re preparing.
EMBRACE SEASONAL INGREDIENTS
Enjoying fresh, local fruits and vegetables that are in season often leads to more flavorful produce and tends to cost less. Visiting farmers’ markets or growing your own herbs can deepen your connection to the food cycle and foster a sense of community.
EXPLORE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN FOOD AND CULTURE
Learn about the origins of the dishes you enjoy and explore cuisines from different cultures. Food is a reflection of history, tradition and identity, and embracing this can help you connect to the broader world and expand your palate.
SHARE MEALS WITH LOVED ONES
Food is a powerful connector, and sharing meals with friends or family can strengthen relationships. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special celebration, the act of eating together creates bonds and fosters a sense of belonging.
REFLECT ON FOOD’S ROLE IN YOUR LIFE
Take a moment to consider how food makes you feel. Do certain meals spark memories or bring you comfort? Do you notice how your body responds to different foods? By reflecting on these connections, you can build a deeper understanding of how food impacts your emotions, health and well-being.
Connecting with food in these ways fosters appreciation, mindfulness and balance in your eating habits. It becomes less about just satisfying hunger and more about nurturing yourself and your relationships with others. Health, traditions, seasons and access can all impact our relationship with food. While these factors influence the foods we eat, it’s important to remember the foods we eat also affect our health. For most individuals, choosing food instead of supplements is the best way to fulfill your nutritional needs. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein foods and low-fat or fat-free dairy will ensure you get the healthful nutrients your body requires.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Looking for reliable, science-backed nutrition and health advice? Visit trusted resources like https://www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month or https://food.unl.edu to learn more.