I am not a saint but I do try to do things right. The subject of meals came up during a phone conversation with my brother-in-law when he revealed that his
sister wasn’t eating properly. It was a surprise to me because she always loved
her food. Situations change, though, as I found out when Joe died.
When I first became a widow so many
things had to be done that I wondered if I would cope with it all and am still
hesitant about a lot of stuff. My past helped me through.
I had always been aware of the way to
a healthy life and especially the diet. I always made sure Joe had proper
meals, sometimes against his better judgement, but I swore I knew best. I’m not
the greatest cook in the world but I do know that the right food is important. My
theory was that at least one cooked meal a day should be the norm. All other
meals could be much lighter but dinner had to be cooked with loving care.
When Joe died one thing I determined
to do was carry on with the same routine and have done so. The table gets laid
albeit just for one and I have succumbed to watching television shows while I
eat. Joe wouldn’t have liked that! However, I think he would approve of my
meals. Okay, I don’t cook lunch every day. Some days I indulge in a
meal-for-one purchased from the local supermarket. I have a freezer full of those
meals because they are tasty and filling and nourishing and the right size for
my dwindling appetite. They vary from sausage and mash, liver and bacon, meat
dishes with varied green vegetables, casseroles of all kinds, cottage pies,
fish pies, roast dinners, even fish and chips. It’s hardly worth cooking but I
do, about four times a week, simply to keep my hand in.
Traditions: Every afternoon Joe and I
had choc ice. Ice cream wrapped in chocolate was our favourite and we never
missed a day. We also had a lot of yoghurt, a yoghurt drink in the morning and
thick creamy Greek yoghurt after lunch. I still do, there is no point in
neglecting myself because I am on my own, is there?
Valerie
It's a good thing that you can still cook and actually do! You have to watch those ready meals though, some [most] have way too much salt in them. Some of them give me the salt 'shimmy.'
ReplyDeleteSLQ. The ones I have were passed by the authorities as being okay but some do contain an excess of salt. Never heard of salt shimmy before.
ReplyDeleteIt seems whatever is healthy today, experts decide is not good tomorrow. I think whatever make you feel good without puttin on weight is fine. Routine is also good when it vomes to meals.
ReplyDeleteI love yogurt, plain and mixed with raisins.
" don’t cook lunch every day. Some days I indulge in a meal-for-one purchased from the local supermarket. "
ReplyDeleteI do those same two things, Valerie! I work, so I very often have to eat lunch out by purchasing a meal-for-one. On my days off however, I most of the time make a salad with soup as to save money. However, sometimes I still do treat myself to an outside lunch.
Overall, I LOVE to eat. But I change my meals a lot as to get a variety of nutrition. I also allow myself to eat whatever I want, but in moderation.
"Attempting anything strange or different could have detrimental effects and if I have to stay on this earth I need to act normally, eat properly, and enjoy what years I have left, in as fit a condition as I can manage. Valerie"
Amen, my friend. And good for you!
Hope you're enjoying a lovely Sunday!
X
Ron. I'm glad you go for variety in food... that is the best way to avoid food boredom. Food can quickly become boring, that's why my friend and I go out for lunch every few weeks. Not only do I enjoy the company, I also enjoy a different choice of food. As for your soup and salad, I remember once on a holiday abroad I was served soup and salad but the soup was COLD. Intentionally cold. It was, however, quite delicious. Perhaps I should think on and do the same here.
ReplyDeleteJoeh, you're right. The opinions of so-called specialists do change, and frequently so. I have learned to ignore all of them.
ReplyDeleteEating well and really enjoying food is so important. But I agree, it is easier to get motivated to cook a lot, when not just for ourselves. I lived alone for many years and in spite of being a good cook, I often just "grabbed something" when I was alone. Sounds like you've got some tasty treats ready when you are, that's great.🍝🍕
ReplyDeleteWell done for battling against laziness and lethargy, and you are quite right, Valerie, the right diet is important.
ReplyDeleteI try try to eat right but I do not do as much of the cooking as I would like. Since my mom has more time and she enjoys cooking I rely more on her preparing things for me. We both eat yogurt and I try to get some different fruits when we go shopping.
ReplyDeleteGeraldine, I have noticed how tastes and habits change when one gets older but I intend to carry on as normal for as long as I can.
ReplyDeleteDan, thank goodness for Moms. Fruit is my failing because most do not agree with me, I do eat grapes every day but that's all.
ReplyDeleteI home cook dinner at least 5 nights a week. Also make my own Kefir, which is basically like a very thin yogurt which I make fruit smoothies with for breakfast. It's the in-between times I don't do that well :)
ReplyDeletekden, you have someone to cook for.... I wish I had, I would get back to normal cooking then.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Valerie! As I get older I realize how important it is to eat the right kinds of foods. I don't always eat a cooked meal every day but make sure whatever it is nutritious and healthy. And then occasionally I might eat something a bit naughty ;) It is always a journey:)
ReplyDeleteDenise, I know you eat well, I have the recipes to prove it... smiles. Curious to know what the 'bit naughty' is!!
ReplyDeleteChocolate Valerie, chocolate! But as me dear old mum used to say, a little bit of what you fancy does you good :)
ReplyDeleteGood eating habits helps a lot. Since my new caretaking role requires me to do the cooking I got a lot to learn...:)
ReplyDeleteDenise, as of yesterday I cut out the chocolate. Thought you should know... grins.
ReplyDeleteTB, if you get stuck a lot can be learned from Internet friends.
ReplyDeleteOh Valerie, say it ain't so, lol. But you are a great role model. Applauding here.
ReplyDeleteYou are a wise and wonderful woman, Val. Keep doing what you are doing because I definitely what you around as long as possible. Take care, my friend.
ReplyDeleteMatt, I don't feel very wise but it's kind of you to say so. I hope your eating habits are well taken care of. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteJenny, I don't think I have ever been lazy or lethargic but I sometimes wonder if I do too much. Time will tell.
ReplyDelete