You are what you Eat
When I’m in a funk, food is a source of comfort for me and I go for it in a big way. This is so obviously counter-productive. I feel bad, so why not pack on a few pounds so I can be depressed about that too? This starts a whole negative feedback cycle that can be really hard to break free from.
This year, I am not going to do it! By eating foods I feel good about eating, it makes me feel good about myself and my choices, which helps the positive energy start flowing. Besides that, good foods help give you energy, make your body feel good and keep you running at your best.
I like to snack while I’m cooking dinner. Instead of trying to rewire myself and just contain this impulse, I munch on carrots or sugar snap peas. I’m not a huge fan of carrots, but I buy the ones that are already cut into chips – it makes them into a crunchy little fun food instead of *blah* carrots. (whatever helps, right?) I also eat a small portion of a high-protein food before I go to bed; cottage cheese, string cheese, veggies with hummus are my favorite choices. It keeps your blood sugar from falling so low during the night and keeps your metabolism up.
I’m not a big fan of cooking, letalone cooking “healthy”. By buying some things that are already prepared, it saves me extra angst over having to cook dinner. Our meals are simple, but cover the major food groups. My family eats meat, so we will generally have some form of lean protein like chicken, fish or pork. To make it easier, I sometimes get things that are already seasoned and ready to cook. Sweet potatoes (yams) are great; cook them in the microwave and eat them like regular baked potatoes. They are quick and easy that way, and the kids get to have a little raw sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top. Add some veggies or a salad, and it’s a good meal that didn’t take much time to prepare.
My daughters love fruit, so they can have a banana, strawberries or apple slices for dessert. Top the previous two with a dollop of whipped cream and they think it’s a special treat. Cut an apple into small chunks, sprinkle with cinnamon, top with some oatmeal and drizzle a bit of butter on top. Microwave for a minute until the apples are soft, and it’s the easiest way to make individual little apple crisps for them.
Making good food choices and preparing dinner can sometimes seem overwhelming when you’re in a funk. It’s so much easier to call for pizza or hit the drive-thru fast food on your way home, but the ramifications go beyond that one meal. I don’t think anyone is proud of themselves for eating fast food; we all want to eat better. Start with simple meals that don’t require a lot of effort or ingredients. Anything you make at home is going to be healthier for you, so set a goal to eat at home two days a week more than you are currently doing. The positive feedback you get from doing so will help keep that anti-funk energy moving in the right direction!