I try to eat home-cooked meals as much as possible. Of course, I sometimes eat out or buy ready-made food. But the meals I enjoy the most are the ones I cook at home.

I finished reading Gohan Tabeni Oideyo by Kodemari Rui a little while ago. I don’t remember all the dish names now, but the warm feeling from the story is still with me.

In the book, the main character, Yuki, connects with people through food. Their relationships grow gently, and I felt as if I was also welcomed into a warm kitchen.

I was surprised by how rich and varied vegetarian cooking can be. There are so many ways to cook with vegetables, and everything sounded delicious.

I also liked the idea of being “vegetarian only at home.” I can eat what I like outside, and choose food that is good for my body at home. This relaxed style feels right for me.

Recently, my lunch has become naturally more vegetarian. I pack barley rice, some leftover vegetable dishes, and miso soup. At lunchtime, I bring a low-salt freeze-dried miso soup. It is a little expensive, but it tastes very good.

What and how we eat is important. Our bodies are made from the food we choose. But I also believe that enjoying our meals is just as important.