header photo courtesty of Pixabay
by Elizabeth Magee
As the season of thankfulness and gratitude approaches, there’s something about gathering around a table filled with food meant to be shared (but don’t take the sauerkraut if you aren’t going to eat it, please).
These holiday meals with friends and family aren’t just about satisfying hunger; they’re about creating moments of connection, laughter, and appreciation. Let’s celebrate dishes that bring people closer and explore how even leftovers can become an act of love and a symbol of sustainability.
Social well-being has become so important in our lives. Being lonely is worse for you than smoking 15 cigarettes a day. If that’s not an eye-opening statistic, I’m not sure how I’ll convince you of the importance of interacting with each other every day, not just on holidays. And yes, even for the introverts out there!
Some dishes are simply better when enjoyed together. They invite conversation, encourage collaboration, and turn dining into an experience. Here are a few ideas to make your table a real social connection:
- Hotdish (you had to have known this was coming). It’s hard NOT to relate hotdish back to family meals growing up – whether you loved hotdish or hated it. Why did we have to have it every night though!? Warm, hearty, and comforting, casseroles are the ultimate family-style dish. Choose your favorite (or your least favorite, just for fun or payback) green bean casserole, tater tot hotdish, or throw in a breakfast casserole to keep people on their toes. Perfect plates for passing or feeding to the dog under the table, waiting for a bite to drop.
- Charcuterie Boards. Who’s not excited to see a new version of the OG of meats and cheeses? It's a variety that doesn’t quit – sort of a choose-your-own-adventure. Mix cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and spreads for a customizable experience that sparks conversation and creativity. Assign someone to a board and let their personality shine! Guaranteed to be a good conversation-starter.
What kind of dietitian would I be if I didn’t say that food serves a role in our bodies, but it can be so much more? It can nurture our social connections. Maybe your social cup is full, but you could be filling someone else’s and not even know it.
Elizabeth Magee is a licensed registered dietitian. Her posts appear monthly on OYT.
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