The Word of The Week

This is basically the word of the month I'm afraid, sorry for the delay! Companion is a corker of a word though so I think it just about makes up for my tardiness.

No matter what language you say it in: French - copain, Spanish - compañero or the English - companion, they all originate from the Latin 'com' and 'panis' meaning 'with whom one shares bread'.

Being together is such an essential part of being happy and surrounding yourself with people who you love is so important.

It has been shown that eating with family and friends, properly enjoying a meal, not scoffing down a snack and then leaving is a great way to enjoy your time.

Perhaps we should eat like the French, relishing in the fact that the ritual of the meal is as important, if not more, than the food. For example, in state schools in France the children are actually served three course meals: a starter, a main and a dessert.

Despite spending so much of their time eating, the French have some of the lowest obesity levels in Europe. Perhaps because we eat more when dining in front of the TV, even as much as 25% more according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Anyway, I've got sidetracked. The point is, eat well and eat with companions.