Lynda Johnson, M.S., R.D., Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
Cooking and eating together during the holidays are among the simple things that can bring comfort and joy to our lives. Nourishment, health and connecting with others can be as close as our kitchen table. Here are five comforting ways to make food and nutrition a central ingredient of your holiday season.
- Preparing food is a soothing way to share time and bring generations together. Talking while you measure, mix, stir and chop can be a time to discuss important issues and concerns. Making a pot of homemade vegetable soup or kneading bread together can be a relaxing experience.
- Strengthen your family by making sit-down meals a priority as often as possible. If you live alone, reach out to neighbors, friends or co-workers to have dinner together. Inviting others to join you for a meal creates a sense of community. This is one of the best ways to celebrate the meaning and comfort of the holidays.
- Take a break from the TV to enjoy and really experience your meal — use meal time for good conversation. Most of all, savor your food by focusing on tastes, smells and textures. Take comfort in the blessings of nourishing food.
For the complete list, see the full version of this article at http://missourifamilies.org/
