Eating has always been a large part of American culture. Everywhere you go in America there is always food. Whether you are eating at a restaurant or having a snack at work, eating is one of the most prevalent activities that we do. However, most Americans don’t think about eating as a singular activity in and of itself. How many times have you really just been eating? Not eating while doing something else, just eating. Focusing on the experience of eating. And more importantly, how food brings us together.
Italy is a country famous for its food. Many Americans enjoy eating Italian cuisine. A 2023 study posted by a Grand Canyon University article shows that right here in Cleveland Ohio, Italian food was the most popular among residents. However, Italians have a much different way of eating when compared to Americans. Italian meals, specifically dinner and lunch, are divided into five different distinct sections; antipasto, primo, secondo, contorno, and dulce. These are all specific, individual parts.
Now, it might surprise you to learn that Italians don’t actually focus that much on the food during the meal. This is because meals function much more as a social event rather than as a means to an end: a fulfillment of our body’s needs. Part of this is the culture of burnout in America. We’re taught that the key to success is to work as hard, often, and as long as possible. All it takes is just that extra hour of work and that hour less of sleep. This is, unintentionally, self-destructive behavior. Sleep deprivation can have long lasting, negative repercussions on our bodies and immune systems. According to an article by Sleephealth.org, “…1 in 3 adults (about 84 million people) do not regularly get the recommended amount of uninterrupted sleep they need to protect their health.”
So what can we do about this? What is to be done? How are we to enjoy life when we are taught to work and not to live? I think we should start by taking inspiration from Italy. We must reject this toxic and meaningless productivity. And we can start by having a nice long lunch with some close friends.
