Loneliness and hunger

The story "The Boy Who Became a Muni Bird" portrays the theme of loneliness and hunger. The fact that the boy says that he does not have any fish hints to the reader that what he really wants is to be felt sorry for. This is a plea for attention to his sister because he does not want to be left alone. By giving him the fish, his sister would be granting his wish by letting him know that she is there for him. However, she does not give the boy the fish, and he turns into a Muni bird which signifies death in the Japanese culture. Because loneliness is feared greatly in Japanese culture, death is expressed as the result of loneliness. Since food is a very essential part of life, giving and sharing it with family members is crucial for unity and as an expression of love. Since the boy does not receive this expression of love and pity from his sister, he dies.

I view the theme of hunger and loneliness from a different perspective. Through watching movies, reading books, observing others, and in my own experience, being lonely and feeling unloved results in depression which can ultimately result in death. When one feels like they are not cared for (in this case because the boys sister would not give him the food) he or she feels the need to compensate for that loss through food. Food provides comfort when no one else is there and often times fills an empty hole other than the stomach. This is why many people abuse there ability to eat by taking advantage of food in a way that provides comfort when it is meant to sustain and nourish. Many people, as well as myself find comfort in food when we are bored, sad, or lonely because it fills the void of whatever we are missing. Although this is simply a innocent habit for some, it can be fatal to many. If someone is too overwhelmed by depression or loneliness, food can do more harm then good. Obesity is a huge problem in the United States and it is often times the result of depression or loneliness. This problem can result in many types of illnesses including diabetes, heart problems, and often times death. This is my take on how hunger stems from loneliness and can result in death.

If anyone is ever lonely, sad, bored, or just wants a healthy snack, these recipes are both healthy and delicious.

Veggie Sticks and Pesto Dipping Sauce

4 ribs celery, cut into sticks or, store bought precut celery sticks
4 carrots, peeled and cut into sticks, or 10 ounce store bought package carrot sticks
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips lengthwise
8 thin scallions,
trimmed 1/2 zucchini, cut into sticks
1 cup basil leaves
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley tops
1 clove garlic, cracked away from skin
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/3 cup walnut pieces,
a couple of handfuls 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil,
eyeball it Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cut and arrange veggie sticks on platter. If you want to cut down on chopping, many veggies can be store bought already cleaned and cut for dipping.
In a food processor, combine basil, parsley, garlic, lemon zest and juice and grind into a paste. Add nuts and cheese and grind again to combine them into the paste. Pulse in the olive oil until it is combined. Transfer to a small dish and season the sauce with salt and pepper, to your taste. Set dipping bowl on veggie platter and serve.

Courtesy of Rachael Ray.


Fresh Fruit and Mint Salad

1 papaya or mango
1 cup strawberries
2 kiwis
1 banana
2 navel oranges
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Grand Marnier, optional
3 to 5 sprigs fresh mint
1 cup raspberries or blueberries

Peel and dice the mango or papaya, and put in a medium bowl. Trim the strawberries' stems and half or quarter, if large. Add to the bowl of fruit. Peel and dice the kiwi, add to bowl. Peel and slice the bananas, add to bowl.
Cut the top and bottom off the oranges just deep enough to expose the inner fruit. Following the curve of the fruit cut the skin and pith off the orange in panels. Holding the orange over the bowl cut between the membranes to free the citrus segments. Let them fall into the bowl as they are cut free. By hand, squeeze all the juice from the remaining membrane over the fruit, then discard. Repeat with the other orange. Lightly stir the honey and Grand Marnier, if using, into the fruit. Strip the mint leaves off the stem, tear, or chop into smaller pieces, and stir into the fruit salad. Add the berries and set aside for 10 minutes or up to 2 hours. Serve.

Courtesy of food network kitchens