This is in response to Esther’s Weekly Word Prompt.
This week’s Prompt: Save
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Saving My Soul Aka Stomach
It’s highly debatable whether the stomach is the gateway to a more nourished soul. A happy stomach is undoubtedly a mind booster. Our ancient sages say that the purification of body and mind is essential for an upliftment of the soul. Taking a cue from that I’ll say a satisfied and well functioning stomach is a lubricant for the mind and coolant for the soul. 😂😂
After the multiple surgeries of the intestines I have become very conscious of my body, specifically, my stomach. Though my surgeon complains that I listen too much to my body. That apart, it is his strictest instruction to see how my stomach reacts to food. If it revolts then I need to exclude that particular stuff from my diet. It’s easy to keep a tab on my tummy as it responds immediately.
That said I do not believe in depriving myself of the savouries. I eat them in small quantities now and not too often. But there are certain cravings which I have to consciously save myself from. First and foremost, the incorrigible salivation for sweets. Please do not expect me to save a box of sweets for days in the fridge and have little by little. I simply can’t.
After every meal I need my tongue to roll over something sinfully sweet. I know why. It’s because I like chatpataa khana ( I make them accordingly) which leaves a tingling taste in my mouth. To balance it out a dollop of sweetmeat is a must.
But the problem is it doesn’t stop there. The day before yesterday I got a small box of motichoor laddus. Lo and behold! It’s finished in one and a half days!! Ohhh 😦😦
The next red flag is junk, especially, chips – the spicier the better, nutcrackers – crunchy, tangy masala peanuts coated in chickpea batter – fried of course and such others!! But I have found a way to minimize the consumption. I buy the smaller packs now – Rs.10/- or Rs. 20/- a packet – which is half empty. The vendor says that we are actually paying for the air inside the tetra pack. But that’s fine for gluttons like me. 😁😁
I am pining for street food which is absolutely banned for me. No outside food. But we do have branded outlets for these sinful savours. The surgeon has even given me permission to have them once in a blue moon. Though with a caveat, “Try once and see how your gut behaves.” And that’s what has stayed me put. The fear of the outcome. 😨 😨
But what is life without a little bit of deviation. And one such detractor is Maggi – the 2 Minutes Instant Noodles – Masala or Chicken flavour – any. I just can’t get over them. No saving here. But again I am groaning under self imposed embargos – only once or twice a week. That’s all. 😆😆
And then the crispy samosas with lipsmacking chhole and green mint chutney and red tamarind sauce !!! Haven’t had them for aeons. 😢😢
Near the local vegetable market there is a street stall which sells the most awesome bun tikka or burger with a filling of crispy potato tikka with a side dish of onion and cucumber salad and the yummiest red sauce. I don’t visit the market anymore. So no more bun tikkas. 😭😭
Well, it’s better to have minimal quantities at longer intervals rather than total renunciation. The latter may make me healthier but at the cost of psychosomatic repercussions. So I give in to the former. 😛😛
And it’s not that I am emptying out all my savings on them. Just a wee bit though.
Moral of the day : Be wickeder to deal with life’s wicked challenges WITHOUT an iota of guilt.
Have a great munchy weekend !!!
This was fun and reminded me that I miss having Indian food. I used to have it with good friend often when we went to school together in the 90s – and now if I want some Indian food, Trader Joe’s is a store here that has some great “pouches” of premade meals – like Yellow split lentils and Indian Fare Coconut Chickpea Curry…. mmmm
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Wow! Its great to find how everyone loves Indian Street food but I guess the ones sold near your place won’t be so spicy like we have here. But still yummy.
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your post made me hungry – mmmm
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Even my mouth was watering 😆😆
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🙂 🙂
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How very difficult for you. Stay cheerful
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Yep, Derrrick. Thanks so much for your empathy. You understand the supreme sacrifices I have to make
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Avoiding food that we love is a very difficult task. That’s why I got stomach sleeve surgery done. I can’t eat much anymore.
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What is stomach sleeve surgery?
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They cut the stomach into a small pouch size. A maximum of one glass of liquid it can hold.
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Oh God!! Even I am required to have small meals at regular intervals. No big meal. Stomach surgeries take a toll.
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Yes they do. But mine was elective.
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I too have an elective surgery pending
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Best of luck my friend.
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Thanks a ton. You too dear friend.
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🙏🏼🩵🙏🏼
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Amusing as your post is, Geeta, you should not be digging your grave with your teeth!
Joanna
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Rest assured Joanna I don’t
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Glad to know, Geeta!
Joanna
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Haha, GC, this is brilliant! 😄
Motichoor laddus vanish in a blink,
tiny chip packets feel like a cheat code,
and Maggi cravings are unstoppable.
Life’s wicked challenges definitely need a sprinkle of mischief and a bite of something sinful. 😋
I am even worse 😎😂—munching guilt-free all the way!
And I love this kind of company.
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Partners in Crime
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Nicely said, GC — two hearts teaming up for harmless mischief and constant laughs. A tiny title with a sunny grin.
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Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It can’t be easy for you ❤️
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I make things easy for myself dear Esther otherwise life can be unbearable.
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May I join you at the table, Geeta? It all looks yummy.
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Yes of course certainly. More the merrier.
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