First Bite

First Bite — How We Learn to Eat
Author: Bee Wilson
Published by Basic Books in 2015
I bought this book in 2017 and read it in January 2018.

Eating food is such a fundamental part of our existence that sometimes we forget to ask ourselves about the why, when, how, and what of that which we eat. First Bite delightfully and graciously helps us examine these very questions.

I really enjoy a variety of genres and topics. A couple of years ago, I kinda got into food a little bit. Perhaps you will notice this in the book titles that will occasionally be sprinkled like salt and pepper throughout this reflections section.

This particular book is non-fiction in which portions of it read like a novel. Ms Wilson’s perspective is international and she encompasses many centuries while simultaneously looking at a life-time of eating from Pre-birth to Old Age. First Bite is an engaging book that digs into the emotions of eating, the impact of developing taste, and how we can sometimes change our patterns of eating with significant change (i.e. moving). I personally can attest to this as a fact in my own life. Moving to Australia and then to Thailand changed how I viewed food and the act of what I choose to eat. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not really an advocate for dieting… never have been. But this book gave me words and courage to go with what my body was trying to tell me.

I also loved the last chapter’s look at “The Sapere Method”… “food for the senses”. Truly a treat to read about the profound changes regarding food that took place in this study for the very young.

All around, this is a beautiful book that can challenge our thinking, help us examine our habits and emotions, and facilitate holistic, realistic and healthy alterations. It’s more historical perspective than self-help… if that makes any sense. Bon Appétit!

Previous
Previous

Lessons in Chemistry

Next
Next

Pride and Prejudice