The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.106)

2019 • 01 56 ellness Let’s Eat Happily R ecently, I read to my daughter an interesting picture book entitled, “A Gentle Meal by a Fierce Chef”. It is about a gourmet Zebra who entered a restaurant he walked past, only to discover that the owner was a Lion when he placed an order. Breaking out in cold sweat, he did not know whether he should stay or run away, and the fear that the Lion would cook him for a meal was so overwhelming that he fell unconscious right then and there. When the Zebra regained his consciousness, to his surprise, a table full of delicious food was prepared for him. He finished all the food and decided to be a waiter at the Lion’s restaurant for the benefit of more herbivores! Because of the Zebra, many herbivores were attracted to dine at the restaurant, resulting in a significant improvement in the restaurant’s business. Many of us are just like the Zebra in the story. It is difficult for us not to judge a book by its cover. I like this book very much, and I dream of writing a children’s book one day to help young readers let go of their prejudice against food, for example, the A friend who is particular about body weight once remarked: “After consuming potatoes, my body weight increased uncontrollably!” It is a common perception that starch is one of the culprits of weight gain. However, is that really the case? wrong perception that eating potatoes causes weight gain, food combinations that they should avoid, and so on. By understanding the right principles and concepts of healthy eating, dining becomes an easy and fun thing in our daily life. Recently, a friend who is particular about body weight remarked: “After consuming potatoes, my body weight increased uncontrollably!” Potatoes, sweet potatoes, Chinese yam and other root vegetables are common foods in my home, but many avoid them, partly because of their high starch content. It is a general perception that starchy food makes one fat. At the mention of potatoes, many would, more often than not, think of French fries, potato chips and other potato-based dishes served at fast food restaurants. This is perhaps the reason why potatoes leave a not-so-good impression on many people. According to this friend of mine, she gained half a kilogramme of weight the day after she ate potatoes. When I raised my doubt about whether being so cautious about Translated by Ong Mooi Lin