A Catalan scientific study shows the fundamental role of conviviality, which is traditionally associated with the Mediterranean diet, for mental well-being. Conviviality-from the Latin convivium, ‘banquet,’ derived from‘convivere,’‘living together‘-is of particular benefit, among other things, in families with adolescents. At that age of development, between 12 and 16, when young people explore social autonomy with progressive detachment from the family environment. (1)
The Mediterranean diet, we recall, is celebrated by UNESCO as a cultural model and elixir of health. Due to the balance and variety of natural and minimally processed foods that make it up. (2)
Mediterranean Diet in the Third Millennium
The traditional food pyramid places various foods in descending order of recommended consumption (by frequency and quantity). At the base are vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Extra virgin olive oil, fish, milk and dairy products, white meat. Then red meat and finally, with extreme frugality, so-called indulgence foods.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet, however, has been undermined in recent decades by the market introduction and spread of ultra-processed foods. (3) Whose consumption is considered to be the primary cause of the endemic prevalence of childhood obesity. Therefore, the classical food pyramid was integrated by emphasizing the necessary balance between energy intake through food (kcal, kJ) and energy consumed, which varies with gender, age and exercise. (4)
Fig. 1. Description of the Mediterranean Diet through the food pyramid (Bach-Faig et al., 2011)
Convivio
Conviviality is a hallmark of the community and the Mediterranean diet, compared with other social and dietary styles. (5) The simple rituals associated with meal preparation and sharing are occasions for relative calm and distraction from other routines. This facilitates slow and accurate chewing and the same sense of satiety, which depends not only on what and how much you eat but on overall satisfaction. (6) Slow food.
After all, the social component related to meals expresses a real culture, a way of life handed down for generations that young people from Mediterranean areas themselves, when they also migrate to other countries (brain drain, expats), tend to preserve and take with them. (7) Therefore, meal culture is configured as a collective heritage, proper and distinctive to the Mediterranean diet. And it is on this that Italian, French, Iberian and Portuguese, and Greek cuisines are in fact rooted. As well as Made in Italy food itself.
Fig. 2. Implementation elements of the Mediterranean diet (De la Torre-Moral et al., 2021)
Family meals
The Catalan researchers note how family meals represent a useful space for parents and adults to talk, often the only times of day when it is possible to bring the family together. Important especially when there are adolescents, who are found to have a strong propensity for isolation.
Young people in turn recognize the value of family meals as opportunities for socializing and discussion. They also recognize that meals prepared at home are the best quality meals. The role of adults in the family is therefore crucial, in helping children and young people recognize the ‘right’ foods for their needs. (8)
Mediterranean diet, conviviality and health
Regular consumption of fresh or minimally processed vegetables, whole grains and legumes-as well as providing dietary fiber, micronutrients and valuable phytocompounds-promotes satiety. Very important especially for children and adolescents, who are the most exposed and vulnerable to the risks associated with junk food consumption. (10)
Collective family meals are thus an important safeguard in the battle against obesity, overweight, and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) related to unbalanced diets. Regular meals and healthy foods, sharing and sociability, good living education. If possible, without the distractions of smartphones. (11)
Dario Dongo and Andrea Adelmo Della Penna
Cover image from http://xristinazoi.blogspot.com
Notes
(1) De la Torre-Moral et al. (2021). Family Meals, Conviviality, and the Mediterranean Diet among Families with Adolescents. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 18:2499, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052499
(2) Serra-Majem et al. (2015). The Mediterranean Diet as an Intangible and Sustainable Food Culture. In The Mediterranean Diet: An Evidence-Based Approach. Academic Press Elsevier, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-407849-9.00004-X
(3) Dario Dongo and Andrea Adelmo Della Penna. Genetic modification and aging, ultra-processed foods vs. Mediterranean diet. GIFT(Great Italian Food Trade), 12.09.20, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/salute/modifiche-genetiche-e-invecchiamento-alimenti-ultraprocessati-vs-dieta-mediterranea
(4) Bach-Faig et al. (2011). Mediterranean Diet Pyramid Today. Science and Cultural Updates. Public Health Nutr. 14:2274–2284, https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980011002515
(5) Phull et al. (2015). The Mediterranean Diet: Socio-Cultural Relevance for Contemporary Health Promotion. Open Public Health J. 8:35-40, doi:10.2174/1874944501508010035
(6) Warren et al. (2017). A Structured Literature Review on the Role of Mindfulness, Mindful Eating and Intuitive Eating in Changing Eating Behaviours: Effectiveness and Associated Potential Mechanisms. Nutr. Res. Rev. 30(2):272–283, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954422417000154
(7) Phull et al. (2015). Is It a Pleasure to Eat Together? Theoretical Reflections on Conviviality and the Mediterranean Diet. Sociol. Compass 9:977-986, https://doi.org/10.1111/soc4.12307
(8) Skeer et al. (2018). Going Beyond Frequency: A Qualitative Study to Explore New Dimensions for the Measurement of Family Meals. J. Child Fam. Stud. 27:1075–1087, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-017-0967-2
(9) Skeer et al. (2013). Are Family Meals as Good for Youth as We Think They Are? A Review of the Literature on Family Meals as They Pertain to Adolescent Risk Prevention.. J. Youth Adolesc. 2013, 42:943-963, doi:10.1007/s10964-013-9963-z
(10) Haines et al. (2019). Nurturing Children’s Healthy Eating: Position Statement. Appetite 137:124–133, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2019.02.007
(11) Yee et al. (2017). The Influence of Parental Practices on Child Promotive and Preventive Food Consumption Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int. J. Behav. Nutr. Phys. Act. 14:1–14, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-017-0501-3
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
Graduated in Food Technologies and Biotechnologies, qualified food technologist, he follows the research and development area. With particular regard to European research projects (in Horizon 2020, PRIMA) where the FARE division of WIISE Srl, a benefit company, participates.
