Comfort Foods

A few years ago I got sick. It was one of those week long illnesses where anything remotely solid trying to get down my throat got the bouncer treatment at the door. It was one of those types of bugs where you dread being awake but fear going to sleep because you don't know what your body might do to you while you are unconscious. However, I don't mention this to go on a rant about modern medicine being able to nail an athlete's hip back together so he can go out and earn his $10 million salary but all we can do about the Stomach Chinese Fire Drill virus is say "wait it out." No, I brought this up to talk about what happened immediately afterwards.

I woke up one morning and found my body seemed to feel almost normal. I was tired, almost like I had slept walked a marathon, but nothing inside seemed to be interested in doing a tumbling routine. Actually, after feeling rotten for so long, feeling almost normal felt pretty good. I was awake, I was alive, and I could eat! Something with more cohesion than soup! This was like winning the lottery I was so happy. I decided right then and there that I was going to cook something to celebrate and not just pop something in the microwave. After rummaging in the pantry I found a can of black beans and decided that sounded excellent. Then after eating, I felt so content that apparently a few neurons rewired themselves and black beans became my new comfort food.

It's not that I am against comfort foods. If it weren't for food I wouldn't even be here. Foods that offer strange comfort are even usually a good thing. But why did I have to pick that particular one? When I am stressed or have been sick or just bored I go rummaging for black beans and rice. Oh sure, some people might argue it is a healthier vice than some. Also, after I eat it I feel just sooooooooooooooooo good. But, likewise, half an hour later when I suddenly remember how much fiber is involved I sooooooooooooooooooooo wonder what I was thinking. Why couldn't I find a comfort food that did not require me to block out my schedule afterwards.

I actually have been wondering if there is a little parliamentary proceedings going on inside my body where each body part is casting a vote.

Brain: Hear ye, hear ye. We are currently feeling malaise. How shall we find comfort?

Intestines: I propose a good scrubbing with lots of roughage.

Brain: A motion to ingest a Brillo pad has been made. Any seconds?

Stomach: Seconded. I'll second anything involving food right now.

Brain: Motion has been seconded. All in favor say "Yea."

Intestines: Yea.

Stomach: Yea.

Liver: Abstain.

Colon: NAY! NAY! A thousand times NAY!

Kidneys: Yea. Doesn't affect me.

Brain: Motion carried. Release the endorphins.

I really wish that a chocolate lobbyist group could talk to some of the representatives about now.