I started taking anti-depressants for the first time in the middle of December, three years ago. After I had been on them for about a week we went to The Husband's work Christmas party. At the time he was working for very old money and they had a beautiful house, which everyone was invited to for a Christmas dinner. They served roasted Fingerling potatoes and it was the first time I had ever had them. Because I had been feeling really depressed I hadn't really been eating a lot and all food basically tasted like cardboard. I was so nervous going to the dinner because I was sure that everyone would know that something was wrong with me. My face felt wrong from the inside. Anyone whose ever dealt with depression will probably know what that means. I sat down and ate my potatoes and was amazed because I could taste them. I had the most amazing sensation that night that I was going to get better. All because of the potatoes.
I would like to say that I bought the Fingerling potatoes with the express purpose of making myself well, but I didn't. We've been eating a lot of potatoes in our house lately. Poor potatoes get a bad rap from all the low-carb diets, but they pack a lot of nutrition. Feeding a child with ADD is kind of bizarre-o world. You try and get in the biggest bang for your buck, knowing that they probably won't eat a lot. Potatoes are a winner in our house, so I bought the Fingerling potatoes because they are one of Sweet Pea's favorites.
I ate them for dinner and was transported to that night when I knew that I was going to be okay. I'm not okay right now, but I know that I will be again. These potatoes taste like hope.
*These are Fingerling potatoes, if you aren't familiar with them. They are long and thin, like fingers, and have a similar taste and texture to a Yukon Gold potato. And now for something completely different--I am totally obsessed with the PBS show "Downton Abbey." Netflix said that I would like it and they were right**. I've watched all of the first season and the first four episodes of this season in two days. (I stayed up really late.) This show is so well done it's like reading a book. I feel like I know these people. I'm sad that I'm caught up now and have to wait for new shows like a regular person. If you have Netflix you MUST watch Season One. Then go here and start watching Season Two.
(The last time I was unemployed, I became obsessed with MTV's "Teen Mom." This is a vast improvement.***)
**Netflix knows me WAY better than Pandora.
***Just so you know I haven't gone totally smart, I'm also kind of obsessed with the train wreck that is "DanceMoms.")
I have got to try Fingerling potatoes and Downtown Abby. And I know exactly what you mean about foods evoking a memory.
ReplyDeletetime to put up a recipe for the Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. I love potatoes, and I'm a diabetic. So I'm supposed to hate them. but i don't, i love them. More than I love some people in fact. My comfort food is mashed potatoes. I could eat them all day, every day. And when I am feeling really depressed (and I totally get what you mean, though I am off the meds trying to cleanse them from my system before we consider the baby-making) I make my Grandma's Hamburger Gravy. I've got the farm fresh talent of being able to make a gravy/sauce out of just about anything, but Hamburger Gravy is a staple. Literally, cook high-quality <80% lean ground beef, and make a gravy out of the dripping. Pour over mashed potatoes and melt into bliss. It's not good for you, but you will love yourself after, I promise. Now... for a meal that seems a little healthier (a little), my sister one day told me that she wanted my tater tot casserole (I hate tater tots, so it has half tots, and half mashed potatoes) and hamburger gravy. And I thought, why not mix the 2? then I get a little healthy with my comfort. And it's perfect!
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just have to do what works. and that's for eating and living. And you will be ok. And everything will work. I promise.