I became a dietitian because of my love for food. Food nourishes our bodies and provides us the energy to do our everyday activities. The taste of our favorite foods adds to our enjoyment in life. There is also a social aspect to food which is so important. People enjoy meals more when socializing with others and sharing the experience together.
As a dietitian at the Jewish Home at Rockleigh, I have seen so many residents miss out on this important aspect of eating over the past few months. We were forced to stop communal dining and meals were served in individual rooms to contain the spread of the virus. As important as this was in saving lives, it came at a price. Loneliness, decrease in intake and overall decline in quality of life, just to name a few.