HW #4

After having discussed with my parents the changes that they have gone through after having immigrated to this country over 20 years ago, I can notice the changes in how they eat and treat food. My parents helped me understand that in Colombia, the idea of healthy means eating three meals a day with snacks in between each meal and simply using fresh fruit and vegetables as well as good meat. An example of the differences can be seen in the products that were used for cooking.

           On my father’s side of the family, oil made from pig fat was used to fry almost every food, while on my mother’s side, only corn oil was used. This difference in cooking methods is somewhat related to economic class because one family had more money than the other to buy healthier alternatives. Food is treated almost religiously because it is considered a very vital part of Colombian culture to many people. The food is always prepared with delicacy; time is put into the meals and may take up to a day or a week just to prepare one meal.

           When my parents were children, rice, bread, potatoes, and meat were essential parts of the meals throughout the day. Vegetables and salads were also a part of the meals but they were more of an addition to the main course. My Grandmother always looked for the “healthier” alternative to frying her food and thought that she was giving her children the best food available but upon arriving into this country, she began to learn about saturated fat and carbohydrates and what sorts of food you should limit yourself from eating.

           This slowly began to affect the culture that she and her family brought to the United States. The culture did remain intact but it started accepting new ideas and began to change into something better. Because my mother was still young, she adopted these ideas and raised me on them. I agree with eating healthy and preparing food in ways to minimize the amount of fats in the food, but my own feelings on food have begun to challenge the ideals of the Colombian culture and why food is so important and must be eaten at a certain time each day. In the past couple of years I have developed the idea that food is just food, it can be eaten at whatever time you please and it should be eaten because it tastes good, not because it’s good for your eyes or strengthens you bones. One example is fish, if I want to eat it, I will because I think it will satisfy my hunger. But I won’t eat it because it has Omega 3 fatty acids that are good for you and your brain. This disconnect may be caused by the influences of modern day society to be your own person and think, act and speak liberally.