A Typical Lunch in Rio de Janeiro

Todays lunch of rice, homemade black beans, farofa, broccoli, and chicken hearts

I have to say, it took me awhile to get used to the eating rhythm in Brazil. The big lunch and the lighter evening lanche (snack) was weird for a while.  I wasn't used to being so full in the afternoon.

Of course, there is something you should know about me. If there is food in front of me, I will eat it. Some call this compulsive eating, I like to call it not offending the food. If you were food, wouldn't you want to be eaten?

A part of me felt like I was experiencing that fabulous Saturday lunch every day. Actually I was! Rice, beans, some kind of protein, a vegetable or two, a bit of farofa, and maybe a salad. It's a smorgasbord!

Of course, my feelings for it had to adjust once again when I became responsible for cooking all the stuff. We are talking time and planning. I'm not necessarily good at either one of these qualities, especially in the kitchen. But what can I say, I'm a chameleon when I have no choice and I have now adjusted.

And my boys are total Brazilians. Every day we eat some kind of full meal for lunch (unless I'm feeling lazy but you'll never hear about it because I'll practically be stoned by the family).

I tell you this, you sleep better on a lighter stomach. Plus you are less snacky in the afternoon. All and all, I think the Brazilians hit the nail on the head when it comes to this custom. Hell, if I ever get to nap again after lunch, I'll be in pure Brazilian heaven!

My youngest chowing on chicken hearts. FYI: before you think 'wow, your kids eat so well' know this: My 2 yr old only ate the farofa, a smidgen of rice and beans, and chicken hearts. My 4 yr old only ate rice, beans, and farofa. The broccoli was totally avoided at all costs!


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