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Part 1. Food and well-being within hospitality

What exactly is well-being ?

The concept of well-being has been explored across multiple disciplines such as philosophy, economics, public health and psychology [1]. Indeed, academic scholars generally agree that well-being is a multidimensional construct [2-4]. It is often equated to related notions such as wellness, health and quality of life, underlining its complex and multifaceted nature. In psychological contexts, well-being extends beyond physical health to encompass a broader spectrum of positive functioning [5].

Commonly, well-being is examined through three primary lenses: hedonic well-being, which focuses on positive emotions and happiness; life satisfaction, based on subjective evaluations of one’s life quality; and eudaimonia, emphasizing a meaningful life and the realization of human potential [6-9]. From a hedonic standpoint, well-being is achieved through the presence of positive emotions linked to pleasure and the minimization of pain [10]. Life satisfaction considers perceived quality across various life domains [9], while eudaimonic well-being highlights self-realization, purpose and the fulfillment of one’s potential [8, 11].

The relevance of well-being cuts across numerous life areas, impacting health, family and work environments [12, 13]. Specifically, well-being leads to greater productivity in the workplace, more effective learning, increased creativity, more prosocial behaviors, more positive relationships and better overall health, thus reducing healthcare costs [12, 14-16]. While genetics play a role in well-being [17], environmental and situational factors are often equally, if not more, influential [7, 10].

By addressing key issues related to long-term well-being, policymakers can establish frameworks to improve health outcomes and promote environments that encourage healthier lifestyles within more sustainable communities. Indeed, we argue that prioritizing well-being is not just a personal goal but a societal necessity, influencing everything from workplace cultures to consumer preferences in industries like hospitality and nutrition.

Well-being and hospitality

Well-being has emerged in recent years as a crucial societal concern, representing the desire for a holistic approach to living, where overall quality of life across various dimensions is now becoming a priority. The global wellness economy, which was valued at $5.6 trillion in 2022, is projected to surge to nearly $9 trillion by 2028 [18]. This trend is particularly prominent among Gen Z and millennial consumers, who are increasingly investing in wellness products and services across various domains such as health, fitness and mindfulness [19]. This rapid post-pandemic recovery together with a growth rate outpacing overall economic growth has led to an increasing share of the wellness economy within the global economy. Additionally, the wellness economy is now nearly 60% the size of global health expenditures, which are estimated at $10.6 trillion in 2023 [18].

The hospitality industry is uniquely positioned for contributing to well-being and happiness. Travel and tourism inherently provide an opportunity to break away from fast-paced routines since enhancing well-being at destinations is often a primary purpose of travel. Every hospitality actor plays a vital role in this, as promoting guest health and well-being also leads to numerous advantages for the employees and the business performance.

Previous research has explored how various hospitality activities impact well-being, distinguishing between hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. For instance, high-quality aesthetics, beauty treatments and entertainment experiences tend to boost guests’ immediate positive emotions i.e., hedonic well-being [20-22]. On the other hand, activities that involve learning, mindfulness or adventure often enhance a sense of achievement and overall life satisfaction i.e., eudaimonic well-being [23-25].

Research also shows that when guests experience improved well-being, they hold more positive attitudes toward the hospitality provider, are more satisfied with their stay, and are more likely to recommend and revisit the destination [26-32].

Well-being and food

Food plays a key role in the hospitality offering that goes beyond a basic focus on nutrients. Food represents a broader, more integrated element of well-being, connecting individuals to their communities, traditions and values [33]. As a deeply social and cultural entity, food represents togetherness and a sense of belonging, linking people to farmers, the land and cultural roots. These attitudes are part of an evolving focus on holistic well-being, where consumers are increasingly connecting physical, mental and emotional health with their food choices. Food, once seen primarily as a source of sustenance and later a status symbol, now touches nearly every layer of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, serving not just to satisfy hunger but also to promote mental health, a sense of community and planetary well-being.

Food well-being

Supporting this perspective, the concept of Food Well-Being (FWB) has emerged as a valuable framework for understanding food’s multifaceted role in people’s lives [33]. Traditionally, food’s impact has been viewed through the lens of nutrition and physical health. However, these aspects fail to capture food’s holistic contributions to well-being [33, 34].

FWB offers a comprehensive view, highlighting that food is not merely a substance but also a source of comfort, pleasure, community and identity [33]. This paradigm shift encourages moving away from restrictive dietary approaches toward more inclusive, holistic frameworks that enhance well-being by acknowledging the positive, multi-dimensional nature of food consumption.

Hedonic well-being

In the context of hedonic well-being, food is often celebrated as a source of sensory pleasure and enjoyment, offering rich opportunities for individuals to engage with their senses [34]. This hedonic approach is rooted in the pursuit of pleasure through the multisensory experience of eating, where a person experiences well-being through the vibrant colors and aromatic scents encountered in markets, the tactile satisfaction of preparing ingredients and the sounds of food simmering or sizzling. This immersion into the sensorial aspect of food is enhanced when shared with others, leading to feelings of relaxation, joy and companionship [34]. The hedonic aspect of food well-being is all about the value of momentary pleasure and sensory fulfillment, intrinsically linked to the emotional experience of eating.

Eudaimonic well-being

Conversely, the eudaimonic perspective on food well-being encompasses a more mindful, purposeful engagement with food that promotes personal growth, autonomy and sustainability [34]. This form of well-being extends beyond immediate sensory pleasure, emphasizing the value of meaningful, intentional interactions with food, from selecting locally sourced ingredients to growing or foraging for food [34]. Such activities enable consumers to connect with the origins of their food, instilling a sense of authenticity and intentionality.

Preparing food, whether by following a recipe or improvising creatively, cultivates a sense of achievement and mastery that enhances well-being. Additionally, a commitment to sustainable practices, such as reducing food waste and using renewable resources, reflects a virtuous approach that aligns personal values with actions, furthering a sense of responsible satisfaction [34]. Eudaimonic well-being is also found in shared experiences based on companionship and gratitude. These various approaches to food well-being are part of a mindful engagement that provides a deeper, more fulfilling sense of life satisfaction.

Food – the cornerstone of holistic well-being

To conclude, food transcends its basic function as nutrition to become a cornerstone of holistic well-being, connecting people to their physical health, emotional satisfaction and cultural identity. Whether through the sensory pleasures of hedonic well-being or the purposeful practices of eudaimonic well-being, food is key to a sense of community, fulfillment and sustainability.

By embracing a multidimensional understanding of food well-being, individuals and industries alike can prioritize practices that develop personal health and happiness, alongside collective and planetary well-being. This integrative perspective lays the basis for responding to societal shifts and emerging trends that continue to reshape our relationship with food.

Next chapter :

Consumer trends and the conscious shift:

Driven by heightened post-pandemic awareness and access to information, consumers are increasingly prioritizing transparency, sustainability and health in their food choices. This shift is shaping new expectations for the hospitality industry, from personalized nutrition to plant-forward menus and tech-enhanced dining experiences.

Continue

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