Surviving 14 Days without Rice

A few weeks ago, I got three of my wisdom teeth removed, and recovery was anything but pleasant: No dry socket and no infections, but two weeks of jaw pain, not being able to smile properly, and having an intense lisp. Although all those things were uncomfortable, the real discomfort laid in my food cravings. After one week post-op, I was craving every solid food out there: apples, PopCorners, un-shredded chicken, bread, and RICE. I just couldn’t risk getting rice stuck in the fragile and sensitive openings in the back of my mouth. I genuinely believe that my physical wellbeing was rapidly deteriorating without rice. 

Coming from a Chinese household, rice is the staple food item and essentially the key to fulfilling my stomachs and nutritional needs, almost as if I’m pre-programmed to consider rice a basic need for survival. But from a cultural standpoint, the reason why most Chinese individuals consider rice as an indispensable food product dates back to thousands of years ago. Additionally, rice symbolizes prosperity and the sustenance of life, which makes sense since I began tweaking out after the first week without eating rice.

I can’t believe I can say this, but I survived two weeks without eating a single grain of rice in its entirety. Noodles became its substitute after two days of applesauce, ice cream, and mashed potatoes; but truly, nothing can compare to the flawless and flavorful balance of white rice and my favorite side dishes (future blog?!). Overall, it’s safe to say I learned a lot about myself during those times…