FOOD: A Basic Maslow Hierarchy Need

by Brooke on May 10, 2011

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Abraham Maslow developed a psychology theory called Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in 1943.  The base of this pyramid shows basic needs that are imperative to maintain health and normal functioning including food and water.  These basic needs are required for survival! 

Now, I can’t tell you how many times I hear clients say, “I don’t have time to go buy groceries, so I grab fast food,” “I work all day and don’t remember to eat,” or “I don’t want to cook.”  

Why are so many Americans overlooking their basic needs?  We need to drink water.  We need sleep.  We need to eat.  BUT we also don’t want to eat in a manner that abuses our bodies either.    We put work, family, and an agglomeration of other things before our health.  Maslow’s theory suggests that our basic needs must be met first before we can properly focus our energy on any of the higher level needs shown on the pyramid.   If you want to do a better job at work you need to first properly fuel your body.  If you want to take care of your family you have to first take care of yourself.  If you want to maintain your happy personality you have to make sure your drink enough water and make healthy eating choices or you will end up cranky, tired and/or hangry

Take care of your body and don’t ignore or abuse your basic needs!

(Photo soure)

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

March May 11, 2011 at 6:47 pm

I think the growth of convenience food has shaped our perception of food as something that should be convenient, fast, easy, no effort, while what passes for “nutritious” has also become distorted by marketing. Few people rarely have a meal anymore that isn’t entirely or in part something processed and packaged! How food is marketed to us has changed what we expect it to be.

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Brooke May 15, 2011 at 5:04 pm

Hi March! I agree! It is sad that as a society we have become so lazy about our health.

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Lauren May 16, 2011 at 5:28 pm

I think you bring up a very good point. We need food to fuel other activities but we marginalize it. I think if everyone keyed into the fact that food needs more attention, time and care we would realize a host of benefits. Somehow the diagram is off kilter to many people.Love the topics of your posts. Always get me thinking.
Lauren

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Brooke May 17, 2011 at 1:28 pm

Thanks Lauren :)

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