Family dinners can be challenging, and it raises the question: Has the act of sharing meals become a thing of the past, much like the famous painting of the “last supper”?
In my hometown of Montreal, there was a vegetarian restaurant called Le Commensal. Once the largest chain of its kind in Canada, its closure made me realize the essence of its name: Le Commensal signifies the importance of communal dining.
“We no longer prioritize sitting down for meals,” remarks Gillian Crowther, PhD, a retired social anthropologist and author of Eating Culture.
She points out that our cultural engagement with cuisine—its historical significance and personal connections—has also diminished.
What are we forfeiting by ignoring those vacant chairs at uneaten tables?
Your gut is your second brain
Exchanging recipes and cooking methods across generations means passing down family traditions, tales of the past, and dreams for the future. (For many years, my siblings and I were enamored with my grandmother’s supposedly “secret” chocolate cake recipe. Our discovery of Betty Crocker mix on her counter was deflating, yet we chose to keep it to ourselves.)
Statistics show that nearly half of Canadians feel they don’t have time to cook during the weekdays, with one-third experiencing guilt over this. As a result, many of us turn to fast food—not only eating it alone but also feeling remorse about our dining habits.
Poor nutrition, combined with stress, can lead to what registered dietician Alia Khudhair-Gilmer describes as gut-brain axis disorder, commonly known as IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome.
“Our gut microbiome is often referred to as our second brain,” she explains. “When our digestive system is out of balance, it can affect our overall mental and physical well-being.”
Logging off and tuning in
Enhancing digestive health might come from simple changes: better nutrition and more mindful eating habits. Paradoxically, in today’s world where we value electronic connections, we may overlook vital human interactions.
Practice meal mindfulness, advises Khudhair-Gilmer: “Pay attention to your surroundings. Is a device nearby? Is a TV on? Are you multitasking while eating? These reflections matter.”
Choosing to replace virtual distractions with meaningful conversation—whether with friends, coworkers, or neighbors—not only nurtures emotional well-being but also allows for a more digestible pace during meals.
Taking the time to share a meal
Khudhair-Gilmer notes that slowing down to enjoy our meals can show kindness to our bodies: “Eating at a leisurely pace lets hormones signal when we’re full or still hungry. Mindfulness during meals can help us notice these cues.” Eating alone often leads to quicker meals without giving our bodies a chance to process these signals.
Eating slowly is fulfilling
Proper digestion begins with chewing, as saliva plays a critical role in breaking down food. Well-chewed meals are easier for the gut to process. Furthermore, eating slowly and savoring every bite can prevent acid reflux, which often leads to that sluggish feeling, especially after indulging in multiple slices of Gramma’s cake.
When your parents advised you to “chew your food!” it wasn’t just an old adage; they were onto something beneficial for your health.
Mindful eating also supports the gut-brain relationship, aiding in cholesterol regulation and the elimination of harmful bacteria. It can also have a positive effect on your mood.
This system operates continuously; the vagus nerve, known as cranial nerve X, connects the brain and gut. It consistently transmits messages, meaning your brain always knows what’s happening in your stomach—even if you try to bury the memory of that bag of chips you just consumed.
Indulging in a slow feast
Sharing a leisurely meal with loved ones fosters deeper connections and opportunities to discover more about each other. According to Crowther, engaging with the meal and those around the table enriches our understanding of our own cultural background and biases regarding food.
“We perceive food not just as substances but also as objects with distinct qualities that reflect our upbringing. Recognizing whether we favor certain flavors speaks to our culinary conditioning.
“If you can appreciate the food and the company, it becomes a moment worth celebrating. Viewing food as a connection reinforces our heritage and paves the way for a hopeful future.”
Beyond digestion, the dining table serves as a venue for contemplation, sharing experiences, and expressing aspirations—all while enjoying delightful dishes. And all it takes is a bit of time.
This piece first appeared in the November 2025 edition of Thewindowsclubs magazine.
