Is it healthy to eat five meals a day in Spain? A 53-year-old divorced woman understood after studying abroad

In a modern society that emphasizes time efficiency, many people are accustomed to quickly finishing three meals in a few dozen minutes. But has such an efficient lifestyle caused us to lose something precious unknowingly? Rita, a 53-year-old Japanese woman, went to Spain to study alone after her divorce. In her book "Live Freely, Brightly and Cheerfully - Spanish Luxury Life", she revealed the philosophy of happiness hidden behind the "five meals a day" food culture.

The rhythm of five meals a day

"Spanish people eat five meals a day." When she first heard this sentence, Rita was surprised and a little envious: "Is it really necessary to eat so many meals?" When she actually lived in Spain, she gradually understood how natural this rhythm is and how gently it takes care of the body and mind.

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From breakfast, second breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea to dinner, these five periods are not just eating, but small rituals full of meaning in life. Even on busy days, there are breaks in between to take a break, chat or relax in a café. Eating is deeply embedded in the rhythm of life and has become an important moment for savoring life.

In the morning, we usually start the day with light snacks such as coffee and toast, or chenna bars and hot chocolate. Then around 10 a.m., people will have a "second breakfast" at school or work, eating some sandwiches or fruit and chatting with colleagues. The street cafes will also become lively because of this. The two breakfasts allow the body and mind to slowly enter a good work rhythm.

Lunch is the protagonist of the day

At around 14 o'clock, the most important "lunch time" of the day is ushered in. Most companies and schools break at the same time around 14:00, and the entire country seems to have switched to "lunch mode." From appetizer, main course, dessert to coffee, the meal is like the highlight of everyday life.

Each restaurant has a "Menú del día (daily lunch)", where you can freely combine three courses from an appetizer, main course, and dessert. The price is about 10 to 20 euros (about NT$350 to 700). It can be easily enjoyed in bars or restaurants. It is more affordable and more affordable than dinner.

This set meal usually incorporates local specialties and popular dishes. It is large in portion and good in flavor. It is an indispensable option when dining with friends or travelers. Home-cooked combinations such as "Stewed Lentil→ Roast Chicken→ Pudding" make people feel the happiness of integrating into local life.

Afternoon tea and the slow pace of the night

Between 17:00 and 19:00, it is light snack time, similar to afternoon tea time. Both adults and children will eat some toast, small plates, and coffee or juice to create a small circle of communication in daily life.

Dinner usually starts after 21 o'clock. Rita, who was not used to it, was often starving to death at this time. She even secretly bought biscuits in the supermarket to eat, but later she gradually realized the truth behind such a routine. When night falls, family and friends gather together again to quietly share the day's stories. This time allows the heart to slow down and reserve strength for tomorrow.

The meals at this time are mostly light, such as Spanish egg pancakes (Tortilla Española), raw ham and red wine. We chat while eating and savor the end of the day. This so-called "five meals a day" culture actually symbolizes a lifestyle of "connecting with others five times a day."

Eating is happy time

In Spain, "eating = happy time" is almost a matter of course. What people here care about is not "Will I get fat?" but "Is this delicious?" There is no need to bear guilt at the dinner table, and "eating freedom" flows freely.

Rather than being bound by weight loss, Spanish people pay more attention to "what I like" and therefore maintain health at a natural pace. Through food, the rhythm of life is sorted out, and the distance between people becomes closer. Even in the busy daily life, as long as you have "time to stop", you will have a little peace in your heart. The five meals a day in Spain are not only a eating habit, but also a philosophy of life that allows you to appreciate life carefully.