09/15/2015  Written by C.Z. Reeder

“I got 99 problems but a girl ain’t one,” infamous lyrics written by the lyrically sound Jay Z have been heard worldwide. It speaks to a lot of issues and I often wondered what problems jay-z could be speaking on. But then I couldn't help but wonder if those problems mentioned could be solved by something sweet, or savory, or just plain delicious. Now those descriptions describe a woman, (Beyoncé!) But what I'm talking about is Food! So, I’m going to give you a list of problems to be solved with food. Let's see how far we get:

1. Heart Break!

Every  movie, every sob story, can start with people eating their heart break away. Whether it be ice cream, or pizza, food won’t mend your scars but it’s a definite start at filling that hole.

2. Rage, or the ever popular Hanger!

When that kid is geting on your last nerve, or you havent eaten and work is taking forever, or your just ready to explode with rage, you should think about chomping down on a snack or meal. Hanger is the act of being hungry and angry at the same time. So think about soothing that fiery spirit with something satisfying. It relieves some aggression by biting down on something and can help please you just a tad by eliminating one issue.

3. Boredom!

When one has nothing else to do, or cannot afford much of anything then hey, why not chow for now. Put some cheese on a cracker, make a burrito, fill your face till boredom subsides.

4. A feud! You and a friend/family member are fighting, what is there favorite meal or snack? Bring them that snack, hello instant communication. Extend the olive branch... or grape vine, or twinky, its a great way to break the ice.

5. At Parties! Say you need to throw a slamming party but don’t really have money for all the fixings? At least have some drinks and delicatessens or snacks. Something that people can enjoy! It goes so far when a party has some to atmosphere, food and people.

6. The after affects of the party!

Food cannot be beat when it comes to partying to hard that night. To help that person get through the next few hours, what do most people do, go find sustenance. My go-to meals, Chipotle, Taco Bell and if we are feeling fancy, IHOP!

7. Intimacy! Say you’re a bit bored with your routine with your partner, spice up the fun and add a little food toppings. Ice cream, or whip cream, berries of all kinds, and especially chocolate, all fun for a good old time.

8. Long ride!

When you’re in the car for hours on end, you have to find many things to do to keep the peace, keep the kids quiet and keep from driving off the side of the road. Of all activities, eating and food has got to be the best. You are fed, the kids are busy chewing, and you can get some coffee or something to keep you awake.

9. First Dates. When you try to impress someone you like or it’s the very first date and you don’t know them well enough to pick a good activity, dinner is a must. I had a guy make me a meal to not only show off his cooking skills but to feed me something we both would enjoy by asking my food preferences and just a topic to share, food.

10. Employee Moral. Say you are a business owner and the employees just have 0 enthusiasm. They don’t want to be there, and work feels so slow, well.. Feed them! Preferably foods with energy boosts, but most importantly your employees will feel valued and cared for because you pleased their tummies.

11. After that hard Gym session!

Your body is tired, you just worked out in beast mode and hunger strikes. Feed that monster, whatever it may be, healthy or hardy, or within your diet either way food will give you your energy back... so EAT!!

12. When your sad and down and life keeps pelting lemons.

lemon pepper chicken. Or whatever meal you can make out of those sour things. Just try to live your life in spite of those loads of lemons with a high hope and a fork in hand.

I think we barely scratched the surface on problems food could solve. Jayz may not have been talking about this but I believe in giving a helping hand and a hot meal. So go out and face the world and remember food is your friend, enjoy!