As summer draws to a close it’s nice to reflect on the trips taken and for me what food inspiration I can take from my travels. During a trip to France this summer I visited Bordeaux and the surrounding Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, as always I was impressed by the fantastic French markets that pop up in most places visited, big or small, one in particular in was very impressive in the small town of Lacanau, the market was held in the town square on a Saturday morning and attended by people of all ages, families, friends, dogs all joined together and shopped the high quality produce.
They also sat together to enjoy oysters, crevettes and fish pate on fresh baguette, accompanied by a plastic cup of wine, it was delicious food served very simply, as enjoyable as any Michelin starred restaurant! The atmosphere was very convivial and the quality and variety of fruit and vegetables on offer was incredible, all seasonal and from local producers, meaning optimum flavour and peak nutrient content. The oysters were piled high in crates and shucked in front of you, the surrounding coastal region is rich in oysters and shellfish and unlike the UK is sold locally very cheaply, making this nutritious resource accessible to all.
This market visit was a highlight of my trip and not just due to the delicious food I enjoyed but the sense of community and social connection, sitting together squashed on benches, observing families and friends happily coming together to eat, enhanced my enjoyment considerably. Research has shown that this is an important part of healthy eating, taking time to enjoy a meal together, switching off devices, focusing on the food and company, taking time to eat and digest food mindfully has been shown to improve portion control, aid weight management and help address disordered eating [1], not to mention increase happiness, life satisfaction, trust, community engagement, and social support [2]. Although it’s not always possible to eat in this way, going into September and back to normal routines for most people, it’s worth keeping this in mind and try to take more time out to enjoy a meal with company.
References
1. Tapper, K., Mindful eating: what we know so far. Nutr Bull, 2022. 47(2): p. 168-185.
2. Dunbar, R.I.M., Breaking Bread: the Functions of Social Eating. Adapt Human Behav Physiol, 2017. 3(3): p. 198-211.
MLT Nutrition 