Food Journal Analysis Paper Example

I am a full-time student living with my parents two younger brothers and a sister. My parents are of Portuguese descent who have spent most of their years from childhood in the United States. Most of the diet in our house is comprised of Portuguese cum American dishes. Our love for Portuguese meals has been nurtured by the close relationship with grandparents, friends and other relatives.

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Eating in my family is considered as an important family time to retreat from the outside world. Therefore, most meals are usually accompanied by some catching up about how an individual's day has been. My dad asks most of the questions though. As we wait for each other to arrive meals can sometimes be late although not by a huge margin. The latter is like an unmentioned rule in the family. Exceptions of missing the family meal especially dinner are made when one is running extremely late. Except having a slow-paced conversation eating at home is not usually accompanied by other tasks such as watching TV, reading a book or any other task for that matter.

In as much as homemade food is considered the ideal meal is eating takeout's and fast foods such as Caldeirada de Enguias, chips, pizza and Porco Preto always brightens the mood of the family. While at home having a three-course meal is almost mandatory as my parents believe meals are one step in keeping healthy. Skipping a meal is considered an issue that must have a valid reason not only for my younger siblings but everyone in the house.

During breakfast cornbread and tea forms, the most significant percentage of the menu as it saves on time during the morning rush hour and honestly nobody in the household can persevere to be late in the name of cooking. Being a fan of sweet potatoes, my mom loves to surprise me with a piece or two as a mid-morning meal. Lunch hour meals at home re punctual at 12:30 pm. The menu mostly consists of rice, salad, meat, vegetables, fish, fruit, and pasta after the main meal espresso coffee is usually served. For dinner, the same meals applicable can be used but not repeated. If the lunch menu had any aspect of meat then at dinner meat is avoided and if the mandatory white meat is preferred.

My mom is obsessed with bacalhau. An aspect which has contributed to most of the family members being okay with the meal. During special occasions or when we are expecting visitors at least one of the recipes of bacalhau has to be in cooperated in the menu.

On my own especially when I am at school, I love to taste a variety of meals. My family tries to provide meals that everyone is comfortable with, but with a reason for not being okay. Therefore, my options while at home are somewhat confined to specific types of meals. Eating chicken biryani, burgers, and chourico saves on time and the baggage of packing lunch meals every morning. I am comfortable with most fast food as I can eat them at any time while handling my school tasks. I find it hard to observe time while in school and sometimes I am reminded to eat only when less busy or so hungry. Most of the time that I am starving is after my gym session, so I ensure I have something to bite, maybe an avocado spread on toast, sweet potatoes, banana and a drink preferably mangoes juice.

My mom loves cooking and so do I, especially when I want to free my mind from a stressful day. However, I don't get a lot of chances to cook for the family. The few instances when I have to cook is when it's a day we all have to go vegetarian. I mostly prepare tomatoes salad, "Orange" Soups and spinach.

As part of the eating etiquette, my mom is strict in using the napkin. The napkin must be visible all the time and when done eating it is folded and placed on the table. My Dad sits at the honored position on the table with my mom to his right. Being the first born my seat is always to the left unless there is a visitor. My younger siblings are given the freedom to sit in any order on the remaining chairs. I try as much as possible to uphold dinning manners such as not talking with food in my mouth as my younger siblings are likely to emulate such character. The whole family has been natured to love serving and preparing the dining place after the meal is ready. Before starting to eat, we do not pray, however, my mom as the chief chef welcomes everyone for the meal. On the positive side, the fact that we do not pray for our meals does not mean our visitors cannot do so. My grandfather for one takes his time in saying grace, and we have to respect and give him his chance.

My parents are strict on these aspects of etiquette when dining together and I find it respectful. However, when I interact and eat with friends or relatives which is mostly when I am at school or visiting, I prefer to maintain my eating etiquette. Despite that, I do not enter into a friendly fight if my dining partner does not show the same decorum or handles things differently. I believe it is not offensive if we have a difference in culture and belief, the goal is to enjoy a meal. Bad company is bad for the stomach. During lunch hour at school, I prefer eating with people whom I enjoy their company. Being uncomfortable makes it hard for me to enjoy my food.

Conclusion

When eating alone, my food choices are informed by a matter of convenience such as the time available for the meal while at home choice is mostly limited to family tastes and preferences. In as much as my meals are not ethnically influenced as most Portuguese meals such as pork are not my favorite some the largest percentage of meals I eat are ethically influenced, well except for burgers. Being dependent on the parents makes the scope of meals and choices of how I eat and when limited except when away from the household. As a student fast foods also form a significant part of my diet due to convenience with my schedule and activities. It also breaks the monotony and helps in bending with the environment at school. Etiquette and table manners is a big deal to me, however, imposing it on other makes it to lack meaning as it is an aspect that should be appreciated as a way of life and not torture.