After a two-month hiatus, I am back to writing. In these two months, I travelled back to my home country where I gained a lot of things- rest, immunity by fighting sickness, new clothes, pampering of my loved ones and a few more pounds :-) So, once the jet lag was over, I started wondering how I could get myself back in shape before summer is here and those sleeveless dresses come out of the closet. Now, I am no health nut, I cringe at the thought of salad for lunch and feel tired even before I get up on the treadmill but this time I somehow managed to motivate myself.
The first thought that occurred was to start exercising that I had been procrastinating shamelessly for months. But I also realized that only exercise would not help me lose all the extra baggage that came with the pampering back home. Few days back, I saw Kellogs special K breakfast cereals on my kitchen counter which claimed to lose upto 6 lbs in 2 weeks. Also, the routine promised me one regular meal. I have to admit I was tempted to jump onto the bandwagon because I could then have my regular meal including rice :-) (Yes, you got it right - I have no shame in confessing I love carbs).
The thought of a healthy diet was all very exciting but at the same time cereals with milk for breakfast and lunch was not very appetizing. Not to mention the lack of my sweet tooth. So, for lunch I made this quick spicy mixture which tasted great and was healthy as well. Mixed the following ingredients and lunch was ready. If its too spicy, pair it with some freshly squeezed juice.
Kellog's Speacial K Rice cereal (the flattened ones) or rice crispies- 1 serving
Cucumber (chopped) - 1tbsp
Onions (chopped) - 1tsp
Cilantro (optional)
Green chilli - 1 (chopped)
Boiled potato (one -fourth of a medium sized and then chopped)
Oil - 3-4 drops (I used mustard oil but that may be pungent for many, so feel free to omit)
Salt and paprika to taste
Dry mango powder - a pinch
If you want to indulge further, add some crushed cashews or peanuts and few drops of lemon juice. Bengalis across the world will recognize this as jhaal muri :-)
