Sounds like this is about to get deep but it’s really not, sorry! Just reflecting on World Food Day which was observed on October 16. I have to say I didn’t even know it was a thing, despite being a self-confessed foodie! l feel like every day should be World Food Day though, whether you live to eat or eat to live.
I know water is life but boy if I had to choose between a plate of food and a bottle of sparkling water, there would be no contest whatsoever, not even on a hot day! This year’s theme reflected concerns millions around the world are grappling with; poverty, sustenance and hunger exacerbated by Covid-19. It’s sad isn’t it? Starvation has always been one of my biggest phobias and I wish no one had to go without food.
If your refrigerator has remained full throughout this pandemic, invite someone over for lunch or dinner sometime. I’ve always wondered what mealtimes are like for the rich and famous. The likes of Oprah and Beyoncé’s kitchens must be stocked with everything most of us only get to have on special occasions. If I ever got to visit, I think I’d be starstruck and too nervous to eat, let alone help myself to seconds the way I do so comfortably at my mum’s or grandma’s. But then again, I love food, always have, always will and passing up that once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy myself would be the equivalent of letting good food go to waste, wouldn’t it? I rarely have to work up an appetite and have no trouble cleaning my plate because you see waiters clearing half-eaten food sometimes.
The food would have to taste extremely horrible that no amount of ketchup, chilli, mayonnaise or other condiments would make it palatable. Or maybe if I spotted something gross like hair or flies! My issues are cooking and ensuring that I’m getting the right nutrients. Nutritionists recommend having multiple colours on your plate as a way of getting some good stuff in but I won’t even lie. Lots of times, I’m too lazy to cook so I just heat up a giant pot of noodles, pasta or rice, add some carrots, green beans, avocado and just like that, you have your colourful dish for lunch, dinner and in my case, even the next day’s breakfast because I’m not out here trying to prep three separate meals every single day! Who cares if you don’t make everything from scratch as some "Instagram chefs” often pride themselves in doing? Food is food like a friend likes to joke.
As for counting calories, it’s one of those things you know you should do but at the same time, you’re just happy to eat. Obviously, you try to cut out the bad stuff, opting for low-medium fat and sugar-free options from time-to-time but you all know how addictive junk food is. All it takes is a whiff of a colleague’s fast food order and in no time, you’re craving the same. Credit to those of you who eat clean all year round. Extra points if you keep track of your daily nutritional requirements and know your macros from micros!
editor@newtimesrwanda.com