Extra Credit: Family Dining Experience

Kayla Brown

11-14-2018

Everyone sat down at a long table together.  In the center of the table were two bowls of very yummy looking strawberries and blackberries.  The serving dishes were quality and the place mats were covered in little conversation starters.  

At first we were hesitant because we didn't know when we were supposed to start eating.  We started eating the fruit because it looked so good and it tasted just as good as it looked.  

We didn't get our phones out during the dining experience.  We talked together about our plans and goals as students.  I felt it was easier to converse with strangers over a meal than it would be to approach each other without the food between.  When one does not wish to talk, one can eat.  

The chefs brought out steaming hot food in trays and put the trays in the middle of the table.  There was confusion at first among the seated students because we were not sure if we should pass the food around or pass the plates.  We settled on passing the plates and serving each other, which I felt added to the connectedness of the experience.  We practiced polite manners and made eye contact with other human beings.

The food was delicious.  The chefs served us curry over rice, squash in a sauce with chick peas, and seasoned pita breads.  A light sprinkling of salt and pepper went on my food.  I noticed the variety of food items used in this meal.  We had two sources of protein, a vegetable, two fruits and a grain.  

I appreciated that the food was presented in an attractive manner.  The meal was balanced and there was water on the side to hydrate with.  The plates weren't too big. We all sat together, so we didn't take large portions, because we didn't want to be rude and consume everything.  This got me thinking that maybe eating together works to discourage overeating.  

We engaged in conversation throughout the meal, which lengthened the time it took for us to eat our food.  Eating food over a longer period of time is good, because it gives the stomach and brain a chance to communicate messages of fullness.  I did not feel a need to reach for seconds.  I was satisfied at the end of this meal and felt more connected to my fellow students.