3. Jamie

3

JAMIE

" W elcome, everyone, to today's cooking class, "Nourishing Your Mind and Body!" Today, we're going to whip up some delicious and healthy dishes that are not only good for your taste buds but also do wonders for your brainpower and mood." Jamie, a whirlwind of energy in a cheerful red apron, greeted her eager students with a warm smile.

A young woman raised her hand. "I'm always so sluggish in the afternoon. What can I eat to beat the slump?"

"Great question. Our bodies have a natural internal clock called the circadian rhythm. Eating breakfast jump starts your metabolism, like firing up the engine for the day. Think herbal tea, eggs or yogurt with berries—protein and healthy fats to keep you energized."

A gruff voice boomed from the back. "What about us folks who hate mornings? Coffee's my only friend before noon."

She chuckled. "Coffee can be a pick-me-up, but too much can lead to jitters and crashes later. You can supplement with a smoothie packed with power. Spinach, banana, almond milk, and a sprinkle of walnuts—a delicious way to get a dose of vitamins, healthy fats, and protein, all in one shot!"

His eyes widened. "A smoothie that doesn't taste like punishment? Sign me up!"

Everyone laughs.

"So, what foods should we avoid if we want to stay happy and focused?" someone asked.

"Excellent question. Our brains love healthy fats, found in fish like salmon or avocados. But processed foods and excessive sugar can trigger inflammation and even be linked to anxiety and depression. Think of it as feeding your brain the right kind of fuel for optimal performance."

As the class progressed, the kitchen buzzed with activity. Students chopped, whisked, and simmered, their conversation peppered with questions and excited discoveries.

One student, a busy professional with a packed schedule, confessed, "I always resort to grabbing fast food when I'm on the go. But it leaves me feeling sluggish afterwards."

"Sounds familiar, Emily. But with a little planning, you can make healthy choices on the go. Think pre-portioned snacks like veggie sticks with hummus or a handful of almonds. Easy, convenient, and good for your mood and energy levels."

"Water is our internal Uber, folks! It delivers nutrients to our cells and keeps everything running smoothly. Dehydration can zap our energy and focus, so let's keep those glasses filled!" she added.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. The students gathered around the table, their faces gleaming with anticipation as Jamie revealed the spread: a vibrant lentil and quinoa salad with a creamy avocado dressing, a refreshing green smoothie bursting with spinach and berries, and a side of grilled salmon with roasted vegetables.

The savory scent hit Jamie like a warm hug as she finally unlocked the front door.

"Later than a Kardashian arriving fashionably late," a familiar voice boomed from the dining table.

Jamie rolled her eyes with a smile. Of course, it was her older brother, Mikey. At 41, he still had that mop of unruly brown hair that seemed permanently windblown, and his laughter lines crinkled around eyes that always held a hint of mischief. He was the family comedian, the life of the party, even if that party was just a Tuesday night dinner at their parents' place.

"Hey everyone!" Jamie called out, taking a deep breath of the fragrant air. The house was a sensory overload in the best way possible with the excited chatter of her siblings and that unmistakable aroma of home—lemongrass, fish sauce, and the promise of a delicious meal.

Beside Mikey sat her sister, Layla. At 36, she was the epitome of put-together. Her brown hair was styled in a sleek bob, with some jewelry highlighting her beautiful skin. She was the organized one, the planner, the one who always remembered birthdays and anniversaries.

Across her, sat Alex, Jamie's youngest sibling. His short, dark hair was dyed a vibrant shade of purple, a silent rebellion against the expectations of their sometimes-traditional Vietnamese family. He was 26 and an artist.

Jamie grinned, walking up to her dad at the head of the table. "Hi Dad. Sorry I'm late, traffic."

Mr. Nguyen smiled, happy to see her. His weathered hands, strong from years of hard work, reached out to embrace her. He had salt and pepper hair, thanks to being in his middle sixties.

Her mom, Mai, a petite woman bustled out of the kitchen, a steaming pot of canh chua ca (fish sour soup) balanced precariously in her hands. In her early sixties, she still looked young and bubbly even though a few silver lines showed on her hair.

"Hi Mom." She kissed her.

"Don't mind your brother, Jamie. He just likes to pretend he's not the one who always keeps us waiting." Her Vietnamese accent was softer now, years of living in America smoothing out the edges, but the warmth in her voice remained constant.

"Oh come on!" Mikey raises his hand in exasperation.

"Mikey, have you forgotten who Mom's favorite kid is? Don't mess with the golden child, you hear?" Layla, the instigator, says with sarcasm.

Of course, she was always in cahoots with Mikey. Their bond, forged through countless childhood pranks on Jamie and Alex, was as strong as ever.

But Alex cleared his throat. "Hold on a second, Layla. If Jamie's Mom's golden child, have you forgotten how clingy you are to Dad?" He knew exactly how to push Layla's buttons.

"Oh please. I'm not a clingy child anymore, Alex. I'm all grown up." She rolled her eyes.

"Yet you almost cried when Dad didn't say ‘I love you' on your birthday." He winked at Jamie, knowing fully well they were both buying into the rivalry Sarah and Mikey had going.

That's Alex and Layla for you , Jamie thought with a smile. Always bickering and bantering, but a united front when it truly mattered.

Mom chuckled. "Enough teasing, you lot! There's plenty of love to go around in this family. Let's enjoy our dinner before it gets cold."

As chopsticks danced over steaming bowls of food, a hush fell over the table. Layla cleared her throat making all eyes turn to her.

"So, there's something I wanted to share..." She paused as though to build suspense before continuing, "I'm engaged!"

The room erupted in cheers and congratulations. Mom, already wiping happy tears from her eyes, reached across the table and squeezed Layla's hand. "Oh, honey, that's wonderful news! We're so happy for you!"

"Thanks, Mom!"

"We have so much to plan! The venue, the dress..." Mom trailed off.

"Congratulations, kiddo! We're so happy for you." Dad smiles.

Jamie, her heart overflowing with joy for her sister, reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "I'm so thrilled for you, Layla! Tell us everything!"

The evening transformed into a celebration of her upcoming nuptials. Stories flowed, memories were shared, and laughter filled the space.

Amidst the chatter, Mom turned towards Jamie. "Now, Jamie, with a wedding to plan, we need to make sure everyone looks their best." Her gaze landed on Mikey, who was polishing off his second bowl of rice. "Maybe you can help your brother shed a few pounds before the big day?"

Mikey groaned theatrically. "Here we go again with the health lectures. Can't a guy enjoy a slice or two in peace?"

"You should really consider joining Jamie's healthy eating bandwagon so you wouldn't be looking a little...rounder on Layla's big day, would you?"

"Mom, I'm chubby, maybe, but don't talk like I'm obese? Come on!"

"Oh please. Have you seen your belly lately? I almost mistook you for your pregnant cousin Linh!"

The room erupted in laughter, Mikey included.

Dad, ever the peacekeeper, chuckled. "Mai, leave the boy alone. I'm sure girls love a guy with a little extra padding."

Mom snorted. "You wish! Ask Jamie here, she knows what girls really like—abs and muscles!"

"But it didn't rank first for you, did it, Mai? You used to say you liked my ‘teddy bear' build."

He winked at Mom, who swatted his arm. "Don't twist my words, old man! I was just trying to boost your confidence."

"Are you saying you lied about liking my belly?"

Mom rolled her eyes. "That's besides the point!"

"Mom, isn't that hypocritical? You hate my brother's belly but love Dad's?" Layla says.

Jamie, seeing an opportunity to support both Mom and Mikey's health, jumped in. "I mean, maybe all those late-night pizzas and the beer aren't doing you any favors, bro."

Mikey, predictably, wasn't thrilled. "Can't all be wasting our days with woo woo yoga and kale smoothies like you little sis! I like to live a little."

The bickering and teasing continued throughout the rest of the meal.

Jamie knew they all loved each other and nobody really cared about Mikey's belly.