January 25: Subsistence living

In a brown paper bag are the contents of a typical day’s rations of what a poverty-stricken person living in the third world accesses: a pound of rice, 40 grams of kidney beans, 10 grams of salt, and a small bottle of oil.  No greens nor fruit were in the bag.  I prepare for the day by soaking the beans overnight.  I make a pot of congee and mix in some of the beans.  My only addition to the stash was water.  I was adequately sated after breakfast and thought that this will not so hard.  I have a busy schedule to take my mind off food cravings. 

I return home in the afternoon for another couple bowls. Generally, I use salt sparingly.  However, today, without herbs and spices, the 10 grams of salt do not seem enough to add taste to the food.  I toy with the idea of making steamed rice, then sauteing the cooked rice for a bit of variety and flavour.

By nightfall, I begin to obsess about fruits and vegies. I opt out of skating.  Am I really feeling weak or is it all in my mind?  I head to bed early.  Sleep would take my mind off cravings.

Success!  I make it through 24 hours.  But imagine if this were my only food for months with no end.  The lack of taste, the inadequate micronutrients, the lack of variety—I may be able to survive but cannot imagine any joy in it.