Watching a Yakuzen drama and thinking about my own version of Yakuzen

The show "Shiawase wa Tabete Nete Mate" (Happiness is Eating, Sleeping, and Waiting) started on NHK on Tuesday, April 1st.

I had read the original work, but I had no idea it had been adapted into a drama.

What made me realize it was this article by Minto🌿 Kampo Nourishment Registered Dietitian.

By the time I noticed, three episodes had already aired, which made me sad.

However, when I looked at the TV program guide, there was somehow a recording mark already set.

As expected of parent and child. Even if we don't have to like the same shows (lol).
But this time, thank you, genetics!

That said,
it's not like my favorite actors are in it,
nor am I a huge fan of the original work.

But somehow, watching it makes me feel warm inside.
Gentle or heartwarming are the perfect words to describe the feeling.

When you're not feeling well, can't work, or are bedridden,
you feel like you're the only one marking time in the same place, and it makes you feel pathetic.

"What a useless person I am"

The mind and body are a set, to the point where your spirits can sink that low too.

At times like that, words that gently stand by you are more precious than anything else.

I think that even if they aren't words from someone you're meeting in person, they can have the same effect through video, audio, or text.

"I'm sorry for being like this"
If you find yourself curled up in your futon and on the verge of tears,
that is already proof that you are trying too hard and worrying too much.

I think it's quite important to always be on the lookout for words and foods that can support you during times like that.

By the way, whenever I'm in that kind of mood, I make sure to drink something warm, no matter what it is.

When I was living alone, there were times when I didn't feel like going shopping or even had the energy to cook.
There was even a time when I had run out of instant soup.

So, I once poured hot water over Shirako Nori's ochazuke seasoning and sprinkled some frozen green onions on it to drink (lol).

It's strange how it naturally calms me down anyway.

I don't limit myself to things like "it must be herbal tea" or "it must be cocoa."
I choose with the mindset that anything "warm" is perfectly fine.

I believe that the lower the hurdle you set for yourself, the easier it is to overcome, and the easier it becomes to recover from feeling down.

By the way, I heard this drama is surprisingly popular.

When I think about how many people are
struggling with poor health,
interested in food,
and want to face their own way of living... it's not like it's none of my business, but it makes me worry about various things (sweat).

Since the drama focuses on Yakuzen, there are many things to learn, which is also fun.

In one scene, the protagonist is shopping at a supermarket and picks up some corn, thinking it's good for the rainy season.

And then

There was a scene where she went home feeling disappointed like that.

Yakuzen has an image of being somewhat expensive, or time-consuming, or difficult, doesn't it?

Or rather, I used to think so.

However, watching this show, I see that it's about cooking and eating seasonal ingredients tailored to your own constitution.

That's all it is.

If you do that, I feel like you can already call it Yakuzen.

In fact, the protagonist, Mugimaki-san, gives retort-pouch curry to a former colleague as part of Yakuzen.

Curry certainly is packed with spices that seem good for the body, isn't it?

That feeling where just the aroma stimulates your appetite. I feel that the aroma must also be one of the elements of Yakuzen.

Unless you are learning it professionally to teach others, wouldn't it be fine to take a more relaxed approach and just explore the vegetable section at the supermarket?

In spring, there's spring cabbage, rapeseed blossoms, new onions, new potatoes, and new burdock root.
I can't quite bring myself to buy bamboo shoots, though (sweat).
If you can get them at an affordable price, bamboo shoot rice is also good, isn't it?

For the coming season, I'm really looking forward to summer vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers, and it's also the season when watermelons and melons appear.
Horse mackerel and mackerel are also delicious, aren't they?

Familiar ingredients are more than enough for Yakuzen.

The biggest problem was that they were so expensive for such a long time that I couldn't afford them, but recently they have finally started appearing in supermarkets at prices I can reach.

I couldn't be happier.

My dinner tonight will feature coleslaw made with spring cabbage.

A luxurious dish only available in spring.

The sweetness of the cabbage and the sweetness of the new onions, with a little carrot and cucumber added for color.
And adding a little acidity with lemon juice.

Since I season it simply with salt and olive oil, I can eat a lot of it without getting tired of it.

It might be good to make baked croquettes or scoop croquettes using new potatoes.

I can't make elaborate dishes, but if it's a simple and delicious recipe, I think I can try medicinal cooking that suits me.

Regarding food, I have also written articles like this.

This is a paid article, but it summarizes how I approach food.

If there is anyone who is even a little bit interested, I would be happy if you could read at least the free part and send me a like♪

Finally,
wishing you find your own style of medicinal cooking, I'll end here for today.