Kimchi

• Why did you select this food? 

I chose kimchi because it is the most famous traditional Korean dish. It can also be considered a food that represents Korea.

• How does this food relate to your culture/community? 

Korean people have been eating kimchi for hundreds of years throughout history. There is even a cultural practice of making kimchi together, called gimjang.

• Explanation of when/how the food is consumed 

Kimchi can be eaten at any time and with any meal, regardless of the type of kimchi. It is usually eaten with rice and other side dishes.

• What personal history / memories do you have with this food? 

Kimchi was served as a side dish for Korean school lunch almost every day. I don't have any experience with gimjang, but my grandparents told me that they used to do it every year.

• etc.

Furthermore, kimchi is well known as a fermented food. It contains lactic acid bacteria, which can also be found in many other fermented foods.

There are four pillars of a healthy diet: adequacy, balance, moderation, and variety.

• Adequacy

This is about eating nutrient-dense foods. These foods pack a lot of nutrients into each calorie, making them a healthy choice. Including nutrient-dense foods in your diet can lead to positive changes in your body, such as weight loss.

• Balance

This is about balancing nutrients. Both excess and deficiency of certain nutrients can negatively impact your body. It’s important to consume the right amount of nutrients daily, depending on each individual’s needs.

• Moderation

This is about eating moderate amounts of food. The calories you take in should match the energy you use throughout the day. Consuming too many calories can lead to weight gain, which may result in health problems.

• Variety

This is about making food choices. You should try to eat a variety of foods from the same food group to get a better range of nutrients. However, it's important to consider both calorie content and nutrient amounts.

Making food choices can depend on many factors, including cultural influences, physical state, and emotional state.

• My Cultural Influences

I'm from South Korea, and all East Asian countries eat rice in their meals. I still eat rice occasionally even though I’m living in America right now. This is why early food experiences are significant, as they influence your food choices throughout your life.

• My Physical State

It is well known that eating is important when you are sick. However, I usually skip meals when I'm not feeling well to save energy. I think eating and digesting food uses up my energy, so I prefer to just stay in bed all day.

• My Emotional State

Some people tend to eat excessively when they are stressed or depressed. But I can’t eat anything when I’m not emotionally stable. Both of these behaviors are very unhealthy, so it is significant to try to address and correct these bad habits.

• Kupuna’s definition of health

My Kupuna defines health as well-being both physically and psychologically. But the definition of health can vary for everyone depending on their situations.

• How this dish fits into a healthy diet

Kimchi is definitely considered a healthy food because it is made through the process of fermentation, which means it contains a lot of beneficial bacteria. In addition, vegetables are used as the main ingredients regardless of the type of kimchi, and they contain plenty of vitamins and minerals.

• How the diet in this culture aligns with the four pillars of a healthy diet

Korean people usually eat rice with side dishes. This satisfies variety and balance, as each side dish is different. It is common to have more than three side dishes, but you can have as many as you want. Eating rice will not cause you to consume excess calories, so it also satisfies moderation unless you eat multiple bowls. Additionally, depending on the type of rice, it can be considered a nutrient-dense food, which satisfies adequacy.

• How does your Kupuna's definition of health fit into the Health at Every Size (HAES) framework

1. Weight Inclusivity

My Kupuna believes that health isn't tied to a specific weight because everyone has different body types.

2. Health Enhancement

My Kupuna thinks that many factors influence health, and that eating well, getting enough sleep, taking breaks, and enjoying hobbies all improve quality of life, leading to better health.

3. Respectful Care

My Kupuna acknowledges that anyone can be healthy, regardless of their gender, age, or race.

4. Eating for Well-being

My Kupuna recognizes that individuals can have different eating plans, as various factors such as nutrient needs and personal preferences can influence their diets.

5. Life-enhancement Movement

My Kupuna understands that exercise is beneficial to health and it can be any type of activity based on individual needs.

• My Plate 

According to the MyPlate guidelines, kimchi mostly fits into the vegetables section. It does contain some protein but not a significant amount. There are many different types of kimchi, but they are all made of vegetables. The most common type of kimchi, cabbage kimchi, provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

• SPC 

According to the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, kimchi mostly fits into the protective foods section. Protective foods include vegetables and fruits, and kimchi does provide vitamins and minerals. Korean people tend to eat it at least once a day, which is also recommended by the SPC. While kimchi does contribute to both energy and body-building needs by providing some calories and protein, it is not the primary source of these nutrients.

Kimchi is a healthy fermented food that offers several benefits. It aids in digestion and can help prevent diseases, particularly those related to the heart. The probiotics in kimchi support digestive health by balancing the bacteria in the gut. Moreover, the fiber in kimchi helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which is essential for heart health.

Kimchi is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. However, please note that kimchi contains a lot of sodium, so be careful when eating it.