Ambience

The Merriam-Webster dictionary (2011) defines ambience as “a feeling or mood associated with a particular place, person or thing.”

I associate ambience with the environment of the kitchen when I am cooking and the dining room when everyone is seated, eating their food. It usually depends on the people around me during these times. My mood is considerably different when I am alone cooking and eating my meals to when there is a large group of us in the kitchen and sitting in the dining room eating whilst conversing together in a relaxed atmosphere. Although there are times where I am content making a simple meal for myself - nothing that needs considerable amount of effort – and park myself in front of the television or my laptop. Ambience is important because it creates a nice environment where I am able to enjoy myself, have a good time with family and friends while making special memories.

Shephard and Raats (2006) discuss the need for ambience; “ changes in intake can be detected with different numbers of people being present, food accessibility, eating location, room ambience and food colour (cited in Stroebele and de Castro, 2004, p.295).” This shows that people are more likely to eat right and find enjoyment during that time, if ambience provides the right circumstances. I know when I cook, it is important what my mood is, how the environment improves what I am feeling and having my family or friends around me to share my time with.

References:

Shepherd, R. & Raats, M. (2006). The psychology of food choice (frontiers in nutritional science). UK: CABI

Merriam-Webster. (2011). Ambience. Retrieved 23^rd Oct from, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambience