Jesus understands that family dinners can be challenging. However, reflecting on the iconic “last supper” painting, can we consider whether shared meals are becoming a thing of the past?
Le Commensal was a vegetarian eatery in my native Montreal. Once the largest chain of its kind in Canada, it was only after its closure that I realized its name embodied its purpose: Le Commensal—highlighting the importance of communal eating.
“We’ve lost the opportunity to sit down together for meals,” observes Gillian Crowther, PhD, a former social anthropologist from Capilano University and author of Eating Culture.
She adds that we’ve also overlooked the enriching cultural aspect of understanding cuisine, which serves as a historical snapshot.
What are we forfeiting by ignoring those empty seats at unoccupied tables?
Your gut is a second brain
Sharing recipes, cooking techniques, and family meals is not just about food; it encompasses passing down traditions, aspirations, and family stories. (For years, my siblings and I were in awe of my grandmother’s “secret” chocolate cake recipe—until we spotted a box of Betty Crocker mix in her kitchen. Though disheartened, we kept that revelation to ourselves, preserving her secret.)
Nearly half of Canadians report not having enough time to prepare meals during the week, with one-third feeling guilty about it. Thus, we resort to quick drive-through dinners—often eaten alone and in haste—while simultaneously berating ourselves over these choices.
Improper nutrition combined with stress can lead to what registered dietitian Alia Khudhair-Gilmer terms gut-brain axis disorder, commonly known as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
“Think of the gut microbiome as our second brain,” she explains. “If our second brain—our digestive system—isn’t functioning well, it can affect our mental and physical well-being.”
Disconnecting to Connect
Improving digestive health might be straightforward: better nutrition and more conscious eating practices. However, despite our overwhelming electronic connections, we frequently disengage from significant human interactions.
Khudhair-Gilmer emphasizes being mindful during meals: “What’s happening around you? Is there a device nearby? Is the television on? Are you multitasking on your computer while eating? These aspects matter greatly.”
Choosing to replace time spent scrolling through social media with a conversation over a meal can nourish our spirits and also allow for a slower pace, which benefits our digestion.
Carving Out Time to Enjoy a Meal
Taking a moment to be kinder to our bodies involves slowing down, as Khudhair-Gilmer points out: “When we eat more deliberately, we allow hormonal signals to occur. It promotes mindfulness throughout the process,” she explains. “We become attuned to our body’s needs: whether we feel hungry or satisfied. When dining alone, we often rush and miss those cues.”
The Importance of Eating Mindfully
Digestion kicks off while chewing—saliva plays a crucial role in breaking down food. Properly chewed meals are easier for the gut to handle. Eating slowly and appreciating each bite can also help alleviate acid reflux, a contributor to post-meal tiredness (like after enjoying an extra slice of Gramma’s cake).
When your parents urged you to “chew your food,” they might not have been thinking of your digestive health, but they certainly had a valid point.
Mindful eating also nurtures your gut-brain connection, assisting in cholesterol regulation and eliminating harmful bacteria, while also supporting mood stability.
This intricate system remains in constant communication, with the vagus nerve (also known as “cranial nerve X”) linking your brain and gut. Signals continually travel between them, making your brain instantly aware of what’s in your stomach, even before you acknowledge that bag of chips.
Relishing in a Shared Meal
Gathering for a leisurely meal with loved ones opens avenues for shared learning and appreciation. Crowther notes that engaging all senses at the dining table allows exploration of personal and cultural perspectives related to food.
“We perceive food not only as a physical object but also attribute qualities to it—taste, texture, and our likes and dislikes—reflecting our individual cultural backgrounds and conditioning,” she explains.
“Experiencing food and the company around you transforms it into a celebration. Viewing food as a connecting force allows us to honor the culinary traditions of our ancestors, projecting hope for a vibrant future.”
Much more than for digestion, a dinner table serves as a space for contemplation and shared experiences, where we can reflect on challenges and dreams while enjoying delicious flavors. All it requires is a little time.
This article first appeared in the November 2025 issue of Intomodel magazine.
