The Psychology of the Soccer Snack

There are so many things that are "different" about living in Hawaii compared to the mainland. One of the biggies is food. Food is a huge part of the culture, which explains some things.... In any case, when it comes to the post-game soccer snack, it's a whole new ball of wax. Completely inadequate is the granola bar and juice box. We're talking full-on dinner, like, hot dogs, pizza, chicken and rice, lasagna, spaghetti, um... some people don't even cook like this at home. Then come the sides dishes like fruit, chips, cookies, and, not or, the ubiquitous granola bar and juice box.

I think it's interesting to see what you can surmise about a person based on the snack they bring to the game. This makes a snack, not just a snack, but a means of communication. Here's a list of what people are "saying" with their snacks:

Pizza, McDonald's, or some other fast food: "I have more money than time."

Hot dogs: "I have neither time nor money."

Homemade chicken and cinnamon rolls: "I validate myself in the kitchen."

Energy bars, chips, fruit snacks: "I just went to Costco."

Soy burgers, baby carrots, water: "I want to help you change your life..."

granola bar and juice box: "I just moved here from the mainland."

Food - the Ultimate Panacea

Why we eat:

Food is so much more than just sustenance that keeps us from dying. It is a friend, a support group, a confidant, a celebrant.

We eat when we are sad. We eat when we are stressed. We eat to celebrate an accomplishment. We eat to mourn a tragedy. We eat to enjoy the company of others. We eat to enjoy solitude. Food evokes memories and emotions. Food is a tradition that links generations. Food can alter moods. Food can ease tensions. Food can bridge the gap between cultures. Food can reach across language barriers.

There is no situation so bad, no condition so awful, that food cannot brighten. Everywhere in the world and at any time in history, food can be a gift and a blessing. So let us not take for granted this sustainer of life, linker of people, and lifter of burdens. F-O-O-D!