I just watched a TV documentary series “A Bite of China” ( 舌尖上的中国 ) , which showcases different styles of Chinese cuisine and also illustrates the rich traditions and cultures behind Chinese food. It is truly a feast for the eyes, and I was instantly captivated by the richness of food source used by Chinese people, and their ingenuity to identify, preserve, and cook these foods.

In Chinese culture, and many other cultures, “eating” is not just about keeping stomach full and body healthy, it is also about family, about community, and about spirituality, and it is a way in which people connect with nature as well as with each other. I still remember vividly the times when my whole family sat together to make Jiaozi on the eve of the Chinese New Year, and then ate together while watching TV.

I regret that this tradition is lost in my generation. Now my children are so into “the Western food” that we rarely sit together and enjoy the same meal. It is a common scene that my husband and I ate Chinese food we made, and my sons micro-waved a frozen pizza or lasagna for lunch or dinner.

Nowadays, Americans eat so much processed food instead of real fresh food, and often eat alone in their offices or cars. Such a way of eating not only takes the pleasure out of eating, but also causes a variety of health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or even cancers.

Maybe it is about time for Americans to re-examine their food choices and eating habits. I am sure that we will be better off going back to tradition, eating real fresh food, cooking our own meals, and eating together as a family or a community.