A Gentle Sweetness in My 40s
Red Bean, Condensed Milk, and the Comfort of Satiety
Words by Jeong-Yoon Lee
To truly like something
is to find comfort within it.
That’s how I feel about sweet red beans.
When that soft sweetness spreads across my palate,
I’m transported back to my childhood—
to a simple bowl of Korean shaved ice,
topped with nothing more than red beans, condensed milk, fresh milk, and a few chewy rice cakes.
No more, no less.
Now that I’m in my 40s,
I still crave that familiar sweetness,
but I want it in a way that feels a little kinder to my body.
A Taste of Vietnam in My Grocery Cart
While searching for an affordable condensed milk,
I came across a Vietnamese brand I hadn’t seen before—
Nuti Food’s Sweetened Creamer, 385g.
It was budget-friendly, came in a cute milk carton-style package,
and just like that, it ended up in my cart,
along with 2kg of red beans.
Maybe it was a small act of rebellion—
a way to reclaim sweetness on my own terms.
Home-Cooked Red Beans & a Spoonful of Balance
I cook the beans myself.
Soaking, boiling, simmering—
until they’re perfectly soft and ready.
I store them in containers,
tucked away in the fridge for those snack-craving moments.
A spoonful here, a cup with milk there.
Sometimes with just a touch of Nuti condensed milk—
enough to satisfy, not overwhelm.
It’s become a part of my daily rhythm.
And with that fullness, I find I don’t reach for mindless snacks anymore.
Just a gentle treat, with a little less guilt.
Red Bean, More Than Just Sweetness
It turns out red beans are more than a nostalgic comfort food.
They’re surprisingly good for your health:
-
Natural Diuretic & Anti-Bloating: Thanks to saponins, red beans help flush out excess water.
-
Heart Health: Rich in potassium and polyphenols, they support healthy blood pressure and circulation.
-
Diabetes-Friendly: With low glycemic index and fiber, they help regulate blood sugar.
-
Digestive Support: Insoluble fiber promotes healthy bowel movement.
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Weight Management: High in fiber and complex carbs, they keep you full longer.
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Iron-Rich: Great for preventing anemia, especially for women.
-
Liver Detox & Energy: Vitamin B complex and saponins aid liver function and reduce fatigue.
Pro tip: Eat them with the skin on and skip the added sugar.
Use them in rice, salads, or even drink the cooking water as a tea.
My Almost-Failed Vietnamese Coffee Moment
The packaging had a little phin filter illustration—
a clear invitation to try Vietnamese-style coffee.
So I did.
But my coffee beans had a hazelnut flavor that clashed with the condensed milk.
Lesson learned: next time I’ll mix G7 instant coffee with milk and Nuti condensed milk.
I’m already looking forward to it.
Eating Well, Living Gently
These days, I want my diet to feel less like punishment and more like balance.
To enjoy food without guilt.
To be kind to myself.
A bowl of tender red beans, a splash of milk, and a hint of sweetness.
That’s my version of self-care.
No extremes, just enough.
Because what’s sustainable is what’s gentle.
+ So, what little sweetness brings you joy?
Sometimes, a spoonful is all we need—
to comfort the child within us.
© Jeong-Yoon Lee | Refined cravings, recorded with care.
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