"Wk 40: The Diary Game and Your Health |"My Healthy and Eventful Friday"

At the stayfit training center

Today started on the right note at the StayFit Training Center. I just loved the morning air as I walked into the place. Well, first things first-I did a little stretching to loosen my muscles. Then I continued with dumbbell exercises.

https://youtube.com/shorts/N209h8-UkCk?feature=shared

My arm work included a variety of exercises that hit biceps, shoulders, and triceps. They were really burning, though, in a good sort of way An hour or more into my good workout, drenched with sweat, I felt very much.

Returning home, I refreshed myself with a nice bath to get the sweat and weariness away. For breakfast, on my table were tea and bread, which were as simple as great. In fact, all that warm tea needed to make things perfect was its accompaniment of soft bread.

With the afternoon setting in, I started feeling somewhat hungry. It was now time to prepare a decent meal. I decided to make rice and egusi stew, one of my favorite dishes. Well, here's a step-by-step guide on how I prepared it:

Cooking the Rice

1. Rinse the rice well to get rid of excess starch. What I do is wash it in a bowl of water, swishing it around in my hand, then drain the water. Do that a few times until the water runs clear.
2. Boil water in a pot; I measure the water to ensure it will cook the rice properly. I use about a cup and a half of water for every cup of rice.
3. Add washed rice to the boiling water. Give it a quick stir to avoid the grains clumping together.
4. I Cover the pot and turn the heat to low. I have to Let the rice to simmer properly until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender and dried. This takes about 15 minutes to be done.
5. Once cooked, I fluff the rice with a fork to loosen the grains From gumming together, then let it sit covered until ready to serve.

Preparing the Egusi Stew

1. I Chop the onions, pepper, and tomatoes. However anytime I want to cook,I like to have all my ingredients prepped and ready before I start cooking.
   

2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. I use palm oil for its rich flavor, but vegetable oil works too.

3. I fry the onions until they attain a golden brown color. This is the very crucial stage as it's the foundation of the stew.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes and pepper. I normally allow it to cook until the tomatoes breakdown and oil in the sauce start to separate from it; an indication it is well-cooked.

5. Fold in the crayfish and meat: I allow it to cook through so it absorbs the flavor of the sauce. Since the meat is already pre-cooked, then this takes a relatively shorter time.

1. Add the ground melon seeds (egusi): I always dissolve the egusi in a little water to make a paste,
   then add it into the pot. This helps to avoid lumps. I Stir continuously so that the egusi will be well mixed.

2. I Season the stew with salt and any scent leaves spice.

I Let it simmer over low heat until it thickens, reaching a rich consistency. I Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Then I served the rice with the delicious egusi stew and enjoyed it with a cold water. The combination was absolutely delightful and satisfying.

As it was a free day for me-I took a nap after my meal. Really, I needed the rest; hence, it was quite rejuvenating.

Evening, I visited my aunt's house. In her backyard, there was a coconut tree fully packed with ripe coconuts. I took a ladder, climbed, and cut some coconuts. Fresh coconut water refreshes the whole body, especially after a whole day.

She then prepared a delicious meal of afang soup and fufu for dinner. The rich flavors of the soup mixed with the soft fufu made it a truly memorable meal.

The evening was passed playing funny games with cousins, laughing and having the best of times with them.

As the night started falling, I wished them a good night and went home. My parents were back, and dinner was ready. I still ate a little more despite having had enough at my aunt's place. We ended our meal with some fresh fruits, which was a perfect end to the day.

We all gathered for a family prayer, thanking God for such a wonderful day we had passed. Then, we retired to our rooms, sleeping with contented and blessed feelings.

Achievement 1: Verification Through Introduction by @emishael60 || 08-04-2024

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