My mother always cooked, every day, proper food. We didn't have fast food. It was probably pretty much meat and two veg, but as time went on and new things came into the culture, she embraced all of that. I grew up with mealtimes and sitting around the table with proper cooking and eating.

In this quote, Lesley Manville reflects on her upbringing and the importance of home-cooked meals in shaping her relationship with food. She recalls that her mother always cooked proper food every day, emphasizing the value of home-cooked meals over fast food. The mention of "meat and two veg" points to a traditional, simple approach to meals, where a protein is paired with two vegetables. Over time, however, her mother adapted to changing food trends, embracing the evolution of cuisine and the cultural influences that shaped her cooking.

The origin of the quote comes from Manville's childhood experiences, where family mealtimes were central to her daily life. Growing up with this tradition of cooking and eating around the table, she highlights how this practice instilled in her a deep appreciation for the importance of sharing meals as a family. This experience contrasts with modern trends where many families may opt for quicker, less involved meal options, such as fast food or convenience foods, rather than engaging in the time-consuming but enriching practice of preparing and enjoying meals together.

Manville’s statement also reveals a deeper cultural shift in how food is perceived and consumed over time. While her family’s diet was initially simple and traditional, her mother’s ability to embrace new food trends reflects a broader openness to changing culinary cultures. This suggests that food is not just about sustenance but also about cultural exchange and adapting to the changing landscape of what is available and desirable in society.

Ultimately, Manville’s quote underscores the lasting impact of a nutritious, family-centered approach to food. It speaks to how growing up with a consistent focus on proper cooking and sitting down together for meals shapes not only a person’s relationship with food but also their sense of tradition and community. This foundation of shared meals and evolving tastes serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving meaningful family rituals in an ever-changing world.