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Michael L. Tan writes about proper etiquette in these time when there are various contending views on eating(health wise, religious, etc.)
Health etiquette - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
Health etiquette - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
Food is the center of our holiday celebrations, but food has also become such a focus of contending views that we are bound to see changes in etiquette, starting with the hosts themselves asking guests about what foods they will or won’t take. I thought I’d run through some of these concerns since we are all bound to host some holiday meal or party.
Foremost, do be aware of the needs of guests who have particular health problems. There are those with cardiovascular problems, whether it be mild hypertension or a recent stroke or heart attack. It’s hard to force all the guests into a low-salt, low-cholesterol diet, but it’s also gracious to have dishes of that type for the guests who need them. With our own family reunions, I’ve seen the meals changing drastically because of these concerns about fat and cholesterol. Guests used to wipe out the lechon, crabs, lobsters and shrimps very quickly, but in recent years I’ve seen these dishes barely touched, avoided even by younger but very health-conscious relatives.
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A growing number of parents, myself included, are also conscious about limiting junk foods for children.
I really appreciate it when people ask me first before they offer one of those “food-like substances” (junk foods) to my children. You can do that very simply (“Is it okay to give these chocolates?”) But do extend the courtesy a step further and withdraw the food when declined. I find it really difficult when people ask and then decide for you, “Just one piece won’t hurt,” not realizing that for the next week or so the child will ask how come Tito or Tita (Uncle or Aunt) allowed the forbidden food.
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Courtesies should be reciprocated. In the same way that you expect your host to respect your personal beliefs or preferences in food, it would be rude if you tried to impose your set of beliefs on others, for example, a vegetarian lecturing other people at the table about how the cattle industry contributes to global warming because cow manure sends out nitrogen. Or giving a graphic description of how cows and pigs are slaughtered, in effect butchering the appetite of everyone on the table.
Foremost, do be aware of the needs of guests who have particular health problems. There are those with cardiovascular problems, whether it be mild hypertension or a recent stroke or heart attack. It’s hard to force all the guests into a low-salt, low-cholesterol diet, but it’s also gracious to have dishes of that type for the guests who need them. With our own family reunions, I’ve seen the meals changing drastically because of these concerns about fat and cholesterol. Guests used to wipe out the lechon, crabs, lobsters and shrimps very quickly, but in recent years I’ve seen these dishes barely touched, avoided even by younger but very health-conscious relatives.
...
A growing number of parents, myself included, are also conscious about limiting junk foods for children.
I really appreciate it when people ask me first before they offer one of those “food-like substances” (junk foods) to my children. You can do that very simply (“Is it okay to give these chocolates?”) But do extend the courtesy a step further and withdraw the food when declined. I find it really difficult when people ask and then decide for you, “Just one piece won’t hurt,” not realizing that for the next week or so the child will ask how come Tito or Tita (Uncle or Aunt) allowed the forbidden food.
...
Courtesies should be reciprocated. In the same way that you expect your host to respect your personal beliefs or preferences in food, it would be rude if you tried to impose your set of beliefs on others, for example, a vegetarian lecturing other people at the table about how the cattle industry contributes to global warming because cow manure sends out nitrogen. Or giving a graphic description of how cows and pigs are slaughtered, in effect butchering the appetite of everyone on the table.
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