Life moves fast. Between work, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists, it feels like we barely have time to take a deep breath—let alone sit down and truly enjoy a meal. Instead, we eat on the go, in the car, in front of the TV, or while scrolling through our phones. Meals become an afterthought, something to check off the list rather than an experience to savor.

But food has the power to slow us down. It can ground us in the present moment and reconnect us—not just to our health, but to our loved ones, our culture, and even ourselves. Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures, yet so many of us rush through it without noticing. When we take the time to savor our food, we realize how much joy it can bring, especially in a world that often feels overwhelming.

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” couldn’t be more fitting. Food is more than just fuel—it links us to our past, our families, our traditions, and different stages of life. In fact, my curiosity about food’s role in connection led me to study it for my master’s thesis. I explored how food impacts the acculturation of international students, and what I found was striking. Overwhelmingly, the students I interviewed shared that having access to familiar ethnic foods would make their transition to life in the U.S. easier and would help them feel more welcome and at home. That’s the power of food, it’s more than sustenance; it’s comfort, identity, and belonging.

Food also has the ability to bring people together. Research shows that families who share meals tend to eat healthier, consuming more fruits and vegetables, experience lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress and have stronger relationships and deeper emotional connections. Simply put, eating together isn’t just about nourishment, it’s about well-being.

This month, I encourage you to be intentional with your meals. Here are two simple ways to reconnect through food:

• Slow Down and Savor – Choose one meal this week to eat without distractions. Set the table, adjust the lighting, and enjoy the quiet. Notice the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food. Think about where it came from and how it makes you feel.
• Reconnect Through Food – Plan a meal with family or friends or cook a dish from your childhood or cultural background. Share the experience and let food bring you together.

In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, food remains a simple, yet powerful, way to stay connected. This month let’s celebrate that connection—one meal at a time.