𝓛𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓽𝓼

In one way or another, we've all heard that the key to wellness is 30% food, 10% exercise, and 10% rest. The next query is, "What is a diet?" Any food we eat counts as part of our diet; however, there are both balanced and unbalanced diets. Since elementary school, we have been taught that eating all the different food groups in the appropriate proportions constitutes a balanced diet. Right?"  Mrs. Lawal, the lecturer for DIET 101, Inquires from the pupils seated in front of her. 

"Right." The class choruses.

 "Hey, hey," Jude says, hitting me lightly and waking me from my attempt at sleeping. 

After Uche's party last night, I hardly got any rest. The bed in the guest room at Uche's house was comfy; that much is true. But a lot was keeping me up at night. Ubong's call was the worst of them all. 

I finally fell asleep this morning at about 4 a.m., but it was pointless because I had to get ready for class later that day. 

I finally dragged myself out of bed at 5:30 a.m. and left Uche's place. I promptly texted Omoh to congratulate her and let her know that I was on my way to school. 

I was aware that before eventually departing for school, I needed to come home, change, and pick up some necessities, including my school ID card. In order to get home, I hired an Uber, which arrived 15 minutes later.

 I was dozing in class because I didn't get enough sleep, and I was also too lethargic to pay attention to the lecturer. 

"Yeah, I’m awake. What did I miss?" I ask, whispering and bulging my eyes, to stay awake.

 I can hear him chuckle under his breath. "Nothing much, just the definition of diet." He whispers back, looking at the lecturer, "I guess you didn’t get much sleep last night."

 No, but I promise, no more sleeping off in class." I smile. I woke up so tired and lazy this morning. Uche's party last night took all my strength, coupled with Ubong's demands to meet with me, but I can't tell Jude those details.

 
"And according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the right Proportion is..."She raises a black marker and draws a triangle on the white board behind her before turning to face the audience. She divides the triangle into four equal portions: 5% carbohydrate and fat in the first, 15% protein in the second, 30% fruit and vegetables in the third, and 50% whole grains in the fourth.
 

While listening to Mrs. Lawal describe the pyramid chart she put on the board, I became aware of the fact that my own pyramid chart has always been inverted, which is a prime example of an unbalanced diet and, in her opinion, is highly dangerous.
"I guess I'll alter my eating habit." I say this to Jude, who is seated next to me.
 
 
"Guess?" He chuckled, "When I get home, I’m drawing a food schedule for me and my family. I only pray for Grace to see it through." He tells me with a gentle smile that lightens up his handsomeness.

 
"Yes, we really need the Grace because what if the next food on my schedule is not what I feel like eating?" I ask rhetorically.

 
Hmmm," he wondered, "I guess I will just drink water and sleep then." He jokes.

 
I laugh, but not hard enough to attract attention.
 

I quip sarcastically, "And you know, 70% of us Nigerians eat 70% Carbohydrate in our everyday diet.
 

"We need the extra strength to carry out our daily work." He adds.
 

"Sure. Rice in the morning, akpu in the afternoon, and yam porridge in the night." I say, shaking my head.
 

As opposed to the strained interactions I had with my other classmates, my conversations with Jude have always been natural. He speaks with such respect and is a gentleman.
 

"Is that how you eat?" I am flipping the pages of my notebook when I hear his questions, which have a hint of curiosity in them.
 

"Sometimes," I reply.

 
"My sister’s daughters eat noodles, spaghetti, and macaroni." Jude mockingly added, causing the third person beside him to laugh.
"Thank God for this course; it has enlightened me. I only wish the general public had this kind of education." He declares.
 

"My dear, it is one thing to have the education and another thing to abide by it," we hear the woman sitting beside Jude, who laughed at our little joke, say.

 
True," I concur, nodding my head.

 
Mrs. Lawal is still explaining the benefits of a balanced diet when a young man walks into the hall. He greets her politely and speaks quietly to her. Soon, he faces the class and calls.
 

"Miss Ekanem." 

 
I feel my heart beating fast. This happens whenever I hear my name without knowing what to expect.
 

"Yes," I answer, on my feet.
 

"The H.O.D. will like to see you." He informs me.
 
 
Jude gives me a tiny smile as I gaze down at him and nod my head slightly.
 
 
The young man led me to the H.O.D.'s office once we left the hall. He knocks on the door gently while I step aside.
 

"Come in," I hear the H.O.D. say to us.
 

He opens the door for me to go in, shutting it behind me without coming in himself.
 

"Miss Ekanem, good morning." She extends a courteous handshake to me. "Please." She motions for me to take a seat on the available chair in front of her desk.
 
 
I respond politely, "Good morning, ma," then take the seat she is indicating before adding, "Thank you."

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