Joyful connections and masala fry

Did you know that thoughts of food and eating occupy a significant portion of our day? It's not just you or me, but a common experience for many in our human family. We all share this reality, a thread that connects us all.

Researchers have found that we make an estimated 200 decisions about food and eating daily. It's a staggering number and a testament to the complexity of our relationship with food.

Food may preoccupy our lives, but the answer is not under-eating or over-eating. I encourage my clients to stay far from the "diet culture " that obsessively focuses on the newest fad diet and body image to the detriment of our overall well-being. Finding a healthy balance is essential for our happiness.

Most importantly, feelings of guilt and shame about food and the act of eating can lead to anxiety, depression, and anger. It's good to remember that you're not alone in this struggle. Many of us experience these emotions, as they are part of life.

Regrettably, negative emotions possess the ability to trigger a destructive pattern, prompting defensive reactions aimed at safeguarding our vulnerable egos. If left unattended, these emotions can morph into anger or passive aggression, depending on an individual's typical coping mechanism. Managing these emotions promptly and effectively is essential for our mental health

Our brains are naturally wired to protect our bodies and their needs. Food is one of the fundamental needs, and relying solely on willpower to control it can lead to frustration.

In essence, the strength of your willpower has little influence on the delicate balance between enjoying food and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When we master this balance, it has the power to transform our bodies and rewire our brains for a healthier self, offering hope and a fresh start.

In today's captivating vlog, I invite you to embark on an adventurous journey with me to an ancient land where twenty million courageous individuals, both men and women, defy danger to bring in the day's fresh catch from India's coastal towns. This ocean teems with a rich array of marine life.

The Indian Ocean, with its sprawling 4,670-mile (7,516-kilometer) coastline, accommodates 3,827 vibrant fishing villages and 1,914 traditional fish landing sites. These sites are the first point of sale. They are also the place where the fishing community can leave their trawlers with large fishing nets and load up with supplies like food, fuel, etc.

Get ready for an exhilarating culinary journey in this vlog. We're about to dive into the heart of India's vibrant fish market and food culture, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share this unique experience with you.

Let me introduce you to Valli, an amazing swordstress whose skillful fish filleting caught my eye in the bustling and lively marketplace brimming with the day's fresh treasures from the Indian Ocean. She is a respected figure in the fish market, known for her precision and speed in filleting fish, a skill she has honed over decades of hard work.

Valli's warm smile is sure to capture your heart, just like it did mine. She has been selling fish since she was eight years old, and now, at 55, her journey is truly remarkable and inspiring.

Be sure to look for the altar on the left side above Valli's head. It will be adorned with an image of goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, and the elephant-headed Ganesha, a lit oil lamp, fresh flowers, and marked each day with the symbol of the goddess: turmeric (a large circle) and kumkum (dots and red lines) powder. This altar is a symbol of reverence and gratitude towards the goddesses for the bountiful catch and the prosperity they bring to the market.

The individuals you'll meet in the video are the endearing Tamil people, whose warmth and openness have a way of embracing you, irrespective of your background or beliefs.

As you'll witness, I formed connections with other vendors, and our mutual delight in the culinary arts and cultural traditions is unmistakable. It's a language that unites us all, transcending borders and uniting people.

Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and delectable cuisine. While in India, one of my favorite foods—you guessed right—is fish and shrimp. I am partial to Silver Pomfret and Indo-Pacific king mackerel, which Tamilians, the Indigenous people of Tamil Nadu, my birthplace, also favor.

The video also shares one of the most popular traditional fish cooking styles. I demonstrate the 'Meen Varuval,' a classic Tamil fish fry staple in many households. This simple dish, with its crispy golden-brown exterior and tender, flavorful interior, not only tantalizes the taste buds but also carries centuries of tradition and cultural significance. The dish is prepared by marinating the fish in a blend of spices and then shallow frying it to perfection.

My brothers and sisters, I invite you to sit back, relax, and join me on this virtual journey to India and her darling people.

Wishing you health and peace.

Asha.