The importance of food

Eating can be defined as the consumption of food and liquid to sustain life and to meet our body’s basic needs for growth, development, and function. Every cell in the body depends on a continuous supply of calories and nutrients, whether obtained through food, IV nutrients, or tube feedings. Eating and food, however, also have symbolic meanings associated with love, sensuality, comfort, stress reduction, security, reward, and power. All of us have turned to food at one time or another for comfort, to help us cope with stressful experiences, to control our emotions, and to satisfy desires. Food choices, while influenced by taste and nutritional value, are also typically influenced by past experiences, many of which are social in nature.

Food and eating behaviors often begin during childhood and are closely tied to family and culture. There is a strong relationship between memory and food; for example, the taste, smell, and texture of food can trigger memories of earlier food-related events and activities in our lives. For me, hot chicken soup on a cold and rainy day triggers memories of my own mother taking care of me as a child.

Throughout our lives we may associate certain foods or meals with a holiday, past event, or specific memory. These associations may even provide comfort during times of sadness or sorrow. There is no question that food plays a major role in life. This role does not lessen even if the ability to swallow, chew, digest, or absorb food is lost.