I’ve called myself a foodie for most of my life without even thinking twice about it. In my family, having a passion for food is just … the way it is. But somebody asked me recently what that really meant to me and I wanted to share my thoughts with you too.
These days, it seems like everybody is a “foodie,” right? And while I love seeing people claim that title (and instantly feed bonded to them in a way), I think there are probably a lot of varying takes on what that means. This post is by no means my attempt to define the term in a singular way. It’s more of my personal take on the label.
What makes a foodie?
A lot of things.
A love for food is kind of a given. But it’s not just a love for EATING food. It’s a love for the story behind the food. Where did the food come from? What traditions does it represent? What culture(s) does it embody?
And even beyond that … how many people were involved in making that food available to me, right here, on my plate? Every single ingredient has a story. Every single ingredient passed through the hands of many others before it made it to my plate.
- Who grew it?
- Who harvested it?
- Who transported it?
- Who stocked the shelves?
- Who prepared it?
- Who am I sharing it with?
These questions aren’t to be taken in a negative way, but in a beautiful way. When we can truly connect to the food we are eating, we can appreciate it more and feel more gratitude towards it. This also is a major aspect of mindful eating, which is something I teach my nutrition clients about, but that’s a story for another day.
The answers to those questions also play directly into the second part of my definition of what makes a foodie.
The experience.
Food isn’t just food. It isn’t just fuel. It’s an experience. It’s an expression of emotions, creativity, love, TRUST. A foodie appreciates and understand that food is much more than a physical necessity. Sometimes it’s your soul that needs a specific food more than it’s your body.
Foods can evoke all sorts of emotions – think about comfort food! You choose it because you want to FEEL a certain kind of way.
I consider myself a foodie because of how I think about food, respect it, and enjoy it.
There’s a difference between utilizing only one piece of a plant or part of an animal for a dish and tossing the rest away versus honoring 100% of it. Do you see what I’m saying? For example, a true foodie chef will find a purpose for every aspect of an ingredient. It may not be in one singular dish, but finding a purpose for every aspect. I find something so beautiful about that.
And last but far from least, foodies are open to trying it all.
Notice that I didn’t say LIKING it all. We all have foods we don’t enjoy or can’t have for one reason or another. But a true foodie, when able, is open and excited to try anything. We know that food is often the door to another world, another culture, another story. And if we don’t try it, how do we know how it makes us feel?
I’m curious, what do YOU think makes a foodie?
Rebecca McKinney
I wanted to create this blog for a few reasons. First and foremost, to share tips, tricks, and knowledge about the food and beverage industry in general but also to help people see a different side of the restaurant world. Every restaurant has a totally unique culture and world within it. I want to help open people’s eyes to more than how fast the service is or how easy or hard it is to secure a reservation.
So, thanks for stopping by! I welcome your ideas, input, and feedback and hope you enjoy!
Eat well & travel often,
Becky McKinney
Latest posts by Rebecca McKinney (see all)
- Why Food Makes the Best Gift for a New Mom - April 12, 2023
- 5 Ingredients to Cook With This Spring - March 15, 2023
- 10 Reasons to Dine Out on Valentine’s Day - February 2, 2023
Leave a Reply