Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Vegan Kickstart: Day 18 (and No Tastebuds)

I've been sick with a nasty case of bronchitis now for 5 days. Over the course of this illness, I've had a nagging cough, a slight fever, body aches, a runny nose, a stuffy nose, you name it. And all of that sucked. But nothing sucks worse than losing my ability to taste and smell. That's what happened today — ALL DAY!

I'm on Day 18 of the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart plan and I was pretty stoked about breakfast — Van's Gluten-Free Buckwheat Waffles with homemade Berry Applesauce:

Unfortunately, I took one bite only to realize that I couldn't taste a thing. The dish had a nice texture though. Bummer. I was sure my tastebuds would be back in time for lunch, and I was pleased when I could sort of taste my leftover Buckwheat Pasta with Seitan:

But only sort of. I had to blow my nose between bites to really catch the flavor. Since I ate at my desk today, I didn't want to blow my nose every five seconds lest I gross out my co-workers.

My snack today was Grapes, and though my sense of taste was mostly gone again by snack time, I enjoyed the squishy texture.

I was way excited about dinner — a wholesome bowl of Zippy Yams and Bok Choy Over Brown Rice:

Okay, they were actually sweet potatoes, but the recipe called them yams so I'm doing it too. These were seasoned with soy sauce and curry paste, and thankfully, I was able to vaguely taste the first few bites. But then my sense of taste died again. So sad. I don't see much point in living if you can't taste. I would rather be blind or deaf than lose my tastebuds. Let's hope they're back tomorrow so I'll have a reason to go on (and yes, I am kind of a drama queen).

Which of your senses is most important to you?

11 comments:

T said...

I know a girl that lost her tastebuds FOREVER after a freak surgery accident. I can't imagine. All the same, I'm so obsessed with music I think my hearing is probably the sense I would miss the most.

The Health Sensei said...

T, that is an awful story :( and more proof that surgery is to be a last resort except in absolute emergencies. what an absolute shame...

Bianca, damn, 5 days now?!? i've never been sick once since going vegan. actually, since i went veg about two years ago. i highly suggest monitoring your food ingredients, something in there could be exacerbating your disease.

Millie said...

all these meals are so savoring looking. Nice job Bianca...keep going.

The Kuntrageous Vegan said...

I'm sorry you're still not feeling well :(

Vic Robinson said...

I miss waffles so much. I just can not convince myself to buy such a one trick pony like a waffle iron. Oh well. Ill just have to settle for your pictures. ;)

http://haymarket8.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Living without tastebuds is the worst thing about colds! Feel better soon!

Scissors and Spice said...

I hope you feel better soon! And BTW, we researched that whole yam/sweet potato thing, and the only true yams are tasteless and starchy and are only really available in Africa. But somehow, sweet potatoes got to be known as yams here. So, you were right! :)

Teresa said...

Hope that you feel better FAST!
Love your blog!
Teresa
Angel Soap

aimee said...

Hope you feel better soon, Bianca. That berry sauce looks wonderful!

Jessica said...

All of my senses are pretty important to me, but I guess I could get by if I lost one of them. If I were sick, there is no way I could continue to cook like you've been doing. I hope you feel better soon - good nutrition has to count for something in the recovery!

Ainslie Greig said...

I feel your pain, but this post made me LOL, especially "I enjoyed their squishy texture." Not tasting stuff is the worst, totally deserving of drama queen-esque behaviour. Glad the taste came back!