The  Loss  of  Eating  Habits

   There is a saying, “ Our life is made of eating, clothing and living and going out.”  Eating is the first thing in our life, and people can treat it as the most important thing.  Sometimes eating is not simple for filling an appetite. Some people use eating as an outlet when they are sad or angry. For me, eating was for my appetite and joy for most of my life , but this thought changed when my eating habits were transformed in America because of tableware, the type of food and the environment.

     The first obstacle is the tableware when living in a new country. The different life style results in a changed habit. In China, I always chose the chopsticks to have a meal. Different from chopsticks, forks are widely used in western countries. Even though fork is easier to use than chopsticks, I prefer my two chopsticks. Because I have followed the custom for almost twenty years, I think I am Chinese inside even if I reside in the U.S. Using the goods that are from my own country gives me confidence, which is homelike. At home, I keep this habit with my parents and feel comfortable. The relaxed emotion will promote and increase my appetite. 

  In addition to tableware factor, the American food makes me feel sad. Every national food have their own tastes and most people like their national flavor. However, I do not favor American tastes. Sometimes they taste strange for me and I cannot accept. When the people eat the food they like, they will have a better appetite and more satisfaction. What is more, the typical American fast food include hamburger, chips and coke. Compared to the multifarious Chinese food, it is simple and I have no choice. I hate most of my options, but I still eat them to fill my stomach most of the time.

   Another aspect of the loss of eating habits is the environment. When I was young, I saw a story that was about a mother that moved three times to make a good environment so that her child could study hard. As a result, the environment sometimes can affect the people’s thoughts gradually. Since I moved to America two years ago, I find I have become lazy. The lack of the family members has created a loss of interest in cooking. When I am alone, fast food is the best choice. Sitting in restaurant like McDonald’ s , I watch the busy people who are rushed to leave. The atmosphere and feeling make me eat as quickly as quickly, which leads me to lack of the enjoyment for the process of eating. 

     Hence, the three factors of tableware, the type of food and the environment compose the reason of why I do not feast on the food since I immigrated to the U.S.  These changes make me really miss the way I used to eat at home in China.  It is an tragedy, but I think I will live like this way for a long time. Unfortunately, it is much easier to eat the way other Americans eat, for it is convenient. I do not know how long I can maintain this condition. Maybe my taste and ideas will change in the future.