Right now the survival aspect of the game feels more like a gimmick rather than being a core aspect of the game. Eating, sleeping, and drinking is without an animation. There isn't a thirst meter..it seems like a last minute addition to the game. If we had animations, but also a more immersive cooking experience, than I believe those additions would contribute to the feel of truly living in the world you guys created. Right now the homes feel like no more than storages especially with the lack of good decorations. At least with those animation additions it can add to the immersion that the game greatly lacks.
I want to add a note... if there would be no bonus, e.g. stamina regeneration, there is no need to eat anything.
You be hungry? Visit the watch and go bac, problem solved.