BY ARIANA HALVAEI

Food is an integral part of our lives.

Let’s bypass the obvious fact that we need food for survival and instead shift our attention to the more intimate relationship we share with dining: how the smell of a well-cooked meal can elicit feelings of excitement, comfort, and other all-encompassing sensations, how certain dishes can trigger memories from the past, how we use a dining experience as a way to gather with friends, family, loved ones, dates. Food is… art.

So why have we gotten so used to wolfing food down, eating on the go, buying packaged goods, and frequenting fast-food chains?

I’ve come to understand that the answer is convenience. We’ve grown to accept that breakfast before work should either be skipped or take a maximum of a few minutes, otherwise we miss the commute to work. We limit ourselves to an hour for lunch, at best, and by the time we get home, we’re far too tired to pull out the cooking archives from our fatigued brains and prepare a nice meal. It’s simply easier to just “grab something quick”.

Most of the reasons I’ve stated are often not at the fault of the individual, but rather the societal standards for work/life balance (or lack thereof), and the type of fast-paced “grind” lifestyle we’ve become far too familiar with.

Living in Italy has completely changed my perspective on food.

Everything about it. How I prepare it, how serve it, how I consume it.

I’ve been living in Italy for over a year now. Believe me when I say there is a stark difference in lifestyle. We’ve all heard it before. But I’ve lived it – am living it, rather – and it’s no joke. People know how to slow down here. My fascination with this lifestyle goes beyond admiration, but a true curiosity to break down each element of life which makes it so enjoyable. So I’m starting with food.

Food is simple in Italy. Yes, there are complex dishes, but the food is simple. Basic ingredients, nothing chemical that you can’t pronounce, and you tend to eat with the seasons. Disclaimer: obviously not every restaurant or person is doing this, but it is the majority.

What exactly is a “Slow Lunch” or “Slow Food”?

It’s the idea that food should be prepared with care, with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, and consumed (and thoroughly enjoyed) slowly for optimal digestion. This way, your meals have a low environmental impact, are generally much healthier, and are more enjoyable because they taste amazing and you’re actually taking the time to sit down, taste it, and love every bite. “Slow meals” also tend to be incredibly social. Taking that much time and effort for just yourself (while I do this all the time) is a bit taxing. It encourages people to gather and share the experience.

When I first heard of “The Slow Lunch” concept a month or so ago, I almost… giggled? That’s just so normal here in Italy. Taking time to prepare good food and share it with family and/or friends with a bottle of wine is standard practice. But I know that the bustling life elsewhere (even in other parts of Italy – Milan, for example) makes it difficult to slow down and enjoy little things like lunch.

How Dining and Sustainability Collide

Here at Hotel Earth, our conversations are centered around (but certainly not limited to) climate, environment, and sustainability. A low-impact lifestyle goes far beyond your individual footprint, but expands to your physical health, your mood, your ability to connect with others and your environment, and, I would argue, your ability to appreciate the small intricacies of life. Like lunch.

So consider slowing down when you can. Try a slow lunch, brunch, dinner, whatever. See how it makes you and others feel. I can confidently say you’ll feel proud for making a meal with love and attention that can be enjoyed by all.

Check out my favorite “Slow Meal” recipes in our blog. If you make any of the recipes or enjoy a slow lunch after reading this post, tag us on social and let us know what you think!

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