On days you want to cry, have a meal that stands by you.
When things are tough, you sometimes just don't even know what you want to eat, right?
Those nights when you stand blankly in front of the fridge and think, 'Forget it, I'll just skip eating.' I've been there so many times, too—munching on a piece of bread while shedding tears I wouldn't let anyone else see.
But on days like that, a 'comfort meal' that warms your body can gently unravel your heart, too.
Today, I'd like to share five meals that I've actually eaten on days I felt down, which helped me get back on track.
(1) Gentle Udon Frozen udon is fine. For the broth, use white dashi with a little soy sauce and mirin. Then, gently swirl in some beaten egg. You don't need any toppings. The simple, 'gentle flavor' is enough to loosen the tight knots in your heart.
(2) Miso Rice Ball Shape some warm rice, spread on some miso, and lightly toast it in a toaster oven. I wonder if I'm the only one who feels like crying at the savory aroma of toasted miso. By shaping it with your hands, it feels like you're hugging yourself and saying, 'It's okay, it's okay.'
(3) Potato and Onion Miso Soup Keep the ingredients simple. You can even add a little extra miso. Every time you take a sip, you can think, 'Ah, I'm alive.' As long as you're alive, you can start over. It's a flavor that reminds you of that.
(4) Egg Over Rice (with a slightly nicer soy sauce) When you're exhausted, a dish that doesn't require using the stove is a blessing. The trick here is to splurge a little and use a 'nice soy sauce.' That small choice to treat yourself well really sinks into your body.
(5) Convenience Store Steamed Bun + Consommé Soup On days when you don't have the energy to cook, this is perfectly fine. Just heat up a steamed bun in the microwave and add an instant soup. The act of 'actually eating' is a step toward not giving up on yourself.
...Honestly, when you're feeling really down, you might feel like you 'can't even think about food.' But even then, your body and heart are quietly saying, 'Help me.'
You are the only one who can hear that voice.
A meal isn't an 'obligation'; it can be a 'light.' A meal you choose for yourself, not for anyone else, becomes the strength to live through tomorrow.
On a tough night, instead of asking yourself, 'What do I want to eat?', try asking, 'What will warm me up?'
I hope this note reaches your heart gently.
#MealsToReset
#OnDaysYouFeelDown
#TreatingYourselfWell
#EmpathyEssay
#WakamurasakiNote
#GentleTable
#LightInTheHeart