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Meal

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A meal is a specific occasion involving the consumption of food at a set time. Unlike a snack, a meal is generally larger, more varied, and more filling for the person eating. Most civilizations follow a pattern of eating three main meals throughout the day. These typically occur in the morning, the early afternoon, and the evening. While meals can be eaten anywhere, they most often take place in homes, restaurants, or cafeterias.

Jean-Baptiste de Saive (circle) Kitchen interior with maid 1563
Jean-Baptiste de Saive (circle) Kitchen interior with maid 1563

Preparing a meal is a structured process that begins with meal preparation, or "meal prep." This involves planning the menu and preparing table decorations or drinks. The next stage is food preparation, which requires selecting, measuring, and combining ingredients in an ordered way. A major part of this is cooking, the art and technology of using heat to prepare food. People use various methods, such as grilling over open fires or using electric stoves. Interestingly, some foods undergo chemical reactions without heat. For example, the South American dish ceviche uses the acid in lime or lemon juice to cook fish.

Breakfast is the first meal of the day, usually eaten in the early morning. The term literally refers to the act of breaking the fasting period from the previous night. Breakfast foods vary globally, but often include carbohydrates like grains, proteins like eggs, and beverages like tea or coffee. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the "full breakfast" is a famous cooked meal. It often includes bacon, sausages, and eggs. Regional versions include the "full English," the "full Scottish," the "full Welsh," and the "Ulster fry" in Northern Ireland.

Jean-Baptiste de Saive (circle) Kitchen interior with maid 1563
Jean-Baptiste de Saive (circle) Kitchen interior with maid 1563

History shows that breakfast has changed significantly over time. Before the 1800s, breakfast was often just toast, porridge, or gruel. During that era, the main meal was actually dinner, eaten by peasants around noon after work. In the late 1700s and 1800s, people began working further from their homes. This forced the midday meal to become a lighter "lunch" that was easy to carry. Consequently, the main meal, or dinner, shifted to the evening. The Victorian era also saw the rise of the full breakfast, which was featured in Isabella Beeton's 1861 book, *The Book of Household Management*.

Lunch is typically the second meal of the day, eaten around midday. The word is an abbreviation of "luncheon," which originally described a small snack eaten at any time. In the 20th century, the meaning of lunch narrowed to a midday meal. Many people eat a "packed lunch," which is prepared at home and carried to school or work. These are often wrapped in foil or plastic and kept in a lunch box. In Mumbai, India, workers use "tiffin boxes" to transport lunch. These are often delivered to workplaces by people known as "dabbawallas."

Jean-Baptiste de Saive (circle) Kitchen interior with maid 1563
Jean-Baptiste de Saive (circle) Kitchen interior with maid 1563

Dinner can refer to a large midday meal or an evening meal, depending on the culture. Some people use the term "tea" for an evening meal if their main dinner is eaten at noon. A "full-course dinner" consists of multiple dishes served in a specific sequence. In an English-based structure, this might include appetizers, a fish course, an entrée, a main course, and dessert. Italian traditions follow a formal four-course structure. This includes *antipasto* (appetizers), *primo* (a first course like pasta), *secondo* (a second course like meat), and *dolce* (sweets). Many formal meals conclude with coffee.

In modern times, the way we eat is shifting. Historically, meals were communal affairs where people shared food and conversation. However, in the 21st century, more adults in developed countries eat their meals alone. Despite this, many people still view dining as a social or "commensal" act. Restaurants have adapted to this trend by offering bar seating and large tables for solo diners to share.

Jean-Baptiste de Saive (circle) Kitchen interior with maid 1563
Jean-Baptiste de Saive (circle) Kitchen interior with maid 1563
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