By: Kerry Phillips, RD   Date: 11/22/10

In early November, I joined thousands of Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians, Registered, in Boston at the 2010 American Dietetic Association (ADA) Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE).  From sustainability to social media, the conference program was packed with timely and relevant food and nutrition topics.  Leading up to the conference, I looked forward to the closing keynote speaker – chef, author and TV personality, Anthony Bourdain.  Bourdain’s speech helped me to think beyond nutrition and remember the other roles food plays in our lives when communicating about nutrition and health: 

1. Food tells a story.
The history and culture of different parts of the world can often be found on the dinner plate. Bourdain encouraged using mealtimes to learn more about cuisines that have been cultivated over thousands of years. According to Bourdain, many of today’s delicacies, including dishes such as escargot, were first developed as a means of survival and have been perfected over many years.

2. Food is personal.
Food represents so much more than nourishment. It’s about many things, including taste, enjoyment, and bringing together family and friends.   Food is a form of expression for many; whether it’s the family Thanksgiving dinner or a holiday party, people use food to share a part of themselves and their personal history.  This Thanksgiving, ask your host about the significance of a unique dish – you may learn something new.  

3. Relax and enjoy food!
Bourdain noted the recent shift in our society from being somewhat disinterested in where food comes from to being obsessive about it at times.  As a dietitian and communicator, I don’t necessarily view this as a negative thing – it presents an opportunity to raise awareness about the farm to fork process and all that goes into putting food on the table.

But as Bourdain stated, “The perfect meal is the meal you need right now.” Whether you are on the run and just have time for a grab-and-go sandwich, or you are satisfying a craving with a piece of dark chocolate, the perfect meal isn’t always going to be a gourmet meal or a homemade dinner, but the one that meets your needs at a particular point in time.

As we embark on the holiday season and give thanks for great food, friends, and family, I plan to keep Bourdain’s perspectives about food in mind. Yes, we need to be mindful of balancing food intake with exercise, eating healthfully and not overindulging, but we can’t forget the history, pleasure, and community that food brings to our table and our lives each day.