I can answer this question without even reading the chapter. Of course it is important, and necessary! Without fuel (food) we would starve to death.

But... That's probably not what the author is talking about.

Of course! The author actually means, "How important is food to me!?" We do need food to survive, but it does not need to be the center of our universe all the time. I get that. Food is important when we are celebrating a holiday or special occasion, but it does not need to be important all the time.

Ok, so for today, in my mind, I need to decide when food is the main attraction. Tonight it is not. Tonight it is just fuel!