A Haven for Vee

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Got Any Tips?

Let's see, how long did blogging every day last? Eight days. Pretty good for me. Of course, I am hoping for sanity in posting from now on. Not that you everyday bloggers are insane, of course. ☺ See how I so easily stick my foot in my mouth?
 

What I really want to talk about today is how different it is to eat properly these days. I mean why bother? Just make a piece of toast and be done with it I tell myself. Recently, I began to feel sick as if I were not eating properly. Ya think? Besides all those carbs...not good.


So when I went shopping a few days ago, I asked myself what I really wanted for supper. 

Fruit. I wanted fruit. And a piece of toast. And a cup of chamomile tea.



The next day, I wanted cole slaw. Cole slaw? 



 By Friday, I decided to bake cookies since the weather was not cooperating for working at The Ponderosa. 


Ready for freezing, which I did and now there are nice frozen individual cookies in a freezer bag at the ready. There are also, unfortunately, some in the cookie tin.


On the one side a rainy day, though with all the yellow it looks as if the sun could be shining, and on the


 other side, a snack and QVC. If Lori talks about those pillows one more time...


How in the world did my tv stand get so off? (I have fixed it you'll be happy to know.) 


So do you have any suggestions for me? I think I need some help.


38 comments:

  1. My Dads appetite is not good so I make him soup. I make a large panful at a time and freeze it into individual portions, goes well with toast, cheese scones or crackers. The perfect winter warmer.

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  2. Recognizing the need is huge. I would be the same way if I were in your shoes. When Warren goes away on business trips I eat terribly. My mom uses her crockpot to make regular sized meals and then puts some away for later. Georgia has enjoyed her freedoms to eat the foods she loves that Gene didn't. So...each one has approached it differently.

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  3. Hi Vee, My family dr. suggested Boost 100 for me. The vanilla caramel is not bad tasting and I use a straw, which helps me get it down. It provides nutrients and protein with only 100 calories. A good supplement when you just don't feel like eating properly.

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  4. Vee, I often wonder how single people do it when it comes to eating alone. M has been away the past two weeks for business and will be the next two and I'm running out of ideas for meals for one. Like you, I could easily go for toast and tea. My one go to meal that I love is a fried egg, slice of cheddar in a toasted English muffin. Protein! And fat too. Ha!! I've eaten way too many of these the past few months and my waistline is showing it. I'm not one to make a meal, unless its salmon and a salad, or homemade soup and crackers. I do make a big pot of soup every month or so and freeze it. Do you scoop your cookie dough with an ice cream scoop? They look perfectly round. Oh...I make cookies almost every week and freeze them too. ;) We're getting a deluge of rain here today. Hope you have a good weekend.

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    1. I use a cookie scoop from Pampered Chef. I have two sizes and these are made with the smaller of the two.

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  5. I think your body is telling you what you already know, Vee. Your fruit bowl looks wonderful and is a great start to getting in the groove nutritionally. I like the ideas of Becky K above. Making ahead and storing for later might appeal to you. As the days draw you inside making a big pot of soup or stew would possible help. Your cookies are so uniform! I make them ahead and freeze as well, but they don't look so perfect as yours! Have a nice weekend. ♥

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  6. I have a question for you. How do you stop at two cookies? Your grandsons are going to appreciate finding cookies again. ~ I've been trying to listen more to what my body wants to eat, too. I make K real breakfasts, but I'm either hungry for a fruit smoothie or just a boiled egg. My fruit smoothies have 1 cup of almond milk, 1/2 scoop of vegetable protein, 1 Carnation breakfast packet, 1 frozen banana, 1/2 cup of another frozen fruit or 1/2 cut-up apple, and a few dashes of cinnamon. It's definitely not as pretty as your fruit bowl.

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  7. I can imagine that that would be a real challenge! Not only finding something to cook for one person, but also finding the incentive to cook only for one's self. There is just something about cooking for somebody that takes it to a different level. That said, you need to eat well so that you will feel well enough to accomplish what the Lord has for you to do!

    Do you like omelettes? I love to saute veggies before adding the eggs. That's a good way to pack some nutritional punch. I also have a very simple omelette recipe that has spinach and Parmesan cheese...I'll look it up if that sounds like something that you'd enjoy. (Another plus with omelettes is that you don't mess up the whole kitchen!)

    I also think I'd go to the library and find a book or two about cooking for one...or google "recipes for one." I'm sure there are some great ideas out there and you can benefit from others' experience.

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  8. {{giggling}}} first off, you need whip crème on that fruit, friend. Vee, I think your doing just fine...and I agree with the other commenters here as well. Sending much love and hugs and prayers.

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    1. Thanks, Linda and Michele for the votes of confidence. 🙂 Not doing as well as I'd like, especially in the meal prep department. Not enough variety! Might be purchasing some frozen dinners at this rate.

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  9. Sounds to me as if you are doing just fine!

    Maybe it's time to make a nice pot of veggie-loaded soup, too.

    Hugs.

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  10. Vee, A supermarket rotisserie chicken...can be made into many meals. Strip off the meat and portion it into single meal servings, add some veggies(steamers already to micro wave) , or a small salad and that would be some good meals for you. Also you can boil the carcass for the broth,Strain the yuckies out. Add rice or noodles and some of the steamer veggies for soup. When I was young and lived alone , I ate cereal and happy meals. Gaa...what was I thinking? LOL Blessings to you sweet lady, xoxo, Susie

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    1. Oh, great idea! I should have mentioned that ... so glad you did.

      One can also cook a whole chicken in the slow cooker -- no need to add anything but your desired seasonings -- and you have meat that is as tender and good as a rotisserie chicken, plus you have then a potful of good concentrated broth to strain and make soup with.

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  11. I eat lunch by myself every weekday and I rely on leftovers a lot. But here are a few other ideas:

    I often make myself a baked potato (either a regular potato or a sweet potato) in the microwave. While it is standing, I cook a frozen veggie in the micro (usually spinach, broccoli, or green beans; sometimes mixed veggies). Then I split the potato, add butter, salt and pepper. Spread the veggies over the split potato and then top with a slice or two of cheese. Microwave another 30 seconds to melt the cheese. I will often accompany this, or any solo lunch, with a glass of V-8 to be sure I'm getting plenty of veggies.

    I have a great recipe for a quiche that can be made with either frozen chopped broccoli or frozen chopped spinach. It can also be made crustless (and that's what I usually do), so it can be very easy. Even though there are only two of us here, I make two at a time and just reheat slices for my own lunch as needed. Roasted veggies (including some potatoes or sweet potatoes) make a nice side for this and leftovers reheat just fine.

    I just searched on my blog and apparently I have never shared that quiche recipe. I will plan to do so, and soon, if you are interested.

    A marinated salad like 3-bean keeps a long time and you can just scoop out a serving as needed. I've also heard (and tried) a tip to just cook a package of frozen mixed vegetables and mix it with whatever salad dressing you like, using it as a sort of veggie salad.

    I don't think you probably need any help with desserts, as you have the cookie component well under control. Your fruit was a great idea too.

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  12. Those before me have made some great suggestions. I'm always amazed at how far a Rotisserie chicken goes. Taking the meat off the carcass while it's still warm is easiest. Quesadillas are a go to for me when it's just me or a hot dog. I'm not a good eat healthy resource. I go right to easy not healthy. Oye.

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  13. What would I know about eating alone? It rarely happens. A fried egg on toast is a quickie meaI enjoy. And salads...lunch or dinner. I love full meal salads. But having to talk to myself while eating a salad is not my favourite thing. I can only imagine that finding oneself alone has its challenges! Hugs.

    PS Elmer says salmon (canned salmon) sandwiches are the best. That's his go to meal when I'm not around.

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  14. Lots of great ideas....I often make a small roast and it lasts all week or more...Hard boil eggs and add them to salads or make egg salad. Make up a bag of salad without dressing and take out one portion and use a vinegrette...Make a bag of spinach and keep it in a tupperware and just eat one portion at a time.
    And, of course, soup is always wonderful and can be so different...Lentil soup is quick and very healthy. I have so enjoyed your days of blogging!

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  15. I'm a big fan of leftovers, I don't mind eating the same thing a few times in a row. Soup is good, sandwiches, salads. I would probably lie off those. You might benefit from salads in a jar. Fix a weeks worth at a time then just open, add dressing and eat. They are supposed to stay fresh longer that way. Also, mixed fruit in a jar. I think the worst thing about menu planning is the planning itself. The less I have to think about it the better. I think you did great to go 8 days straight with your blogging. I think I may have posted 8 times in the last 4 months...maybe. Might be less. ;)

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  16. Well. . . let's see. First of all your food photography is fantastic. Love that cabbage. Since Bill has been on a very specific diet, I've learned a lot of food tips. Buy a whole chicken and boil it down, or cook in crock pot. Freeze some of the broth in ice cube trays, then put is ziploc, to use when you need a dash of flavor. Also, freeze the broth to make soup, some of the cooked chicken can be frozen. Other tips but might do a blog post about it. I'm not a foodie so am not sure, but I think what I've learned will help others.

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  17. Dear, dear blogger friend. I have been receiving your posts daily through my e-mail and so admire you. I have just stopped posting because my batteries on my camera are down and too lazy to get new ones. Actually just forgetting them. I can imagine cooking for one is hard added to the loss that you are
    dealing with. I am having trouble cooking for two since HH is so picky. I love everything, spices and different tastes. He is a "meat and potatoes" man. Wants everything fried and I am so trying to stay away from that. We do like left-overs and soups and stews. I love my slow cooker. Sending you all my admiration and comradery (?)as we continue our journey through life.

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  18. You have gotten some wonderful ideas from your blog friends. I think big pots of soup that can serve as several meals is a great suggestion. And having "breakfast" for dinner like eggs of some sort is a great idea as well. Fresh fruits, salad fixings etc.

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  19. The desire for fruit and coleslaw makes me wonder whether you need more acid in your diet.... Pickles...Or add a bit of vinegar to your soups....

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  20. I tend to eat crackers and milk when I'm alone. Or a sandwich. I don't think I ever really COOK for myself. My step son, Dean, whom we lovingly call Ditto, as he is a Jr. - cooks every single day for himself! Sherry commutes on the weekend to the ranch and stays in Irving during the week days for work. He cooks everything from chicken and dumplings to pork roasts to all manner of good hot meals. Do you enjoy cooking? Or did you just enjoy caring enough for John to keep the meals balanced? Perhaps you should put caring for your self on the front burner - so to speak! I don't really LIKE cooking but I do it for LD.

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  21. not sure if this will help--but this is what I do--(just me to cook for) one day I cook rice or potatoes and a veggie or two and meat--and I make enough for 2 meals--I enjoy one that night--then the next night I have tuna salad and cottage cheese with fruit--then the next night I have the cooked meal leftovers--often warming them all in same pan--( I don't have a microwave and don't want one--so I heat every thing up on the stove or in a toaster oven) and the next night is back to cold meal--tuna or chicken salad and cot cheese--
    I bascially eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch (lunch is yoghurt)
    I keep it simple yet nutritious--oven buying organic when I can--
    take care--you are doing fine--
    love and laughter, di

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  22. What helps for me is to plan meals for the week.
    I'd also cook like I was cooking for more than just me and freeze food for future meals when I don't feel like cooking.

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  23. There are some great ideas here, Vee. I never cook for myself, either. It would be a challenge. When I know that Tim's going to be away for a few days, I'll roast up a big pan of vegetables (squash, sweet potatoes, onions, peppers, zucchini) and heat it up, sprinkle some cheese on it, or an egg and call it a meal. Or a big salad with protein like eggs or leftover meat.
    The rotisserie chicken ideas are wonderful - lots of meat and then the carcass at the end for soup. Soup is a wonderful thing!
    Recognizing where you're at is a good thing. Your body is telling you what it needs. And the occasional cookie treat is so yummy. For me, it's the occasional part that's difficult!
    Hugs and prayers.

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  24. You've gotten a lot of good ideas, and I second the soup--and making a meal for two or more and then not needing to cook as often but enjoying leftovers--either soon after or freeze for later. And yes, definitely cookies.

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  25. I love to make soup, and I will make an average size pot and put it in containers to freeze til the mood strikes. I will buy chicken cutlets rather than parts to make breaded and pan fried with a nice green salad on the side. I will buy a piece of fish and make a veg or salad on the side. I try to make enough for two meals many times. I love eggs, right now I use the whites and with a slice of cheese or leftover veggies they are delish.

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  26. We eat a lot of green salads and I mean A LOT. Daily, often 2x daily. We also have a green smoothie nearly every morning of the week. Greens in abundance and no gluten for the past 3 years has helped me to feel, overall, really good (better than I was).

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  27. What great ideas! I tend to run to cereal...remember that granola recipe I posted that you made? Or cottage cheese with something like apple butter. Boiled eggs are good by themselves or in a salad or egg salad.
    A can of tuna is fantastic mixed with a little salsa and ranch dressing and some pepper, scooped up with tortilla chips. Try that one for sure.
    But, yeah it's a pain because there's always extra leftovers..when Chickie was little and it was just me and her and she liked more kid friendly stuff than me. Ugh. So I would have soup or chili all week.

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  28. You can freeze cookie dough? I had no idea though it makes sense since you can buy refrigerated cookie dough. See, I learn something new every day :)

    I'm not sure if I will be any help, dear Vee. Whenever my husband and son are gone for a day {like today-they went hunting} I tend to eat simple meals. For breakfast I had yogurt and for lunch I had an apple with peanut butter. By late afternoon I was feeling hungry so I grabbed a few corn chips. After reading through your comments I'd say you have some great ideas from your blogging friends.

    Hugs to you!

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  29. I agree with so many, Vee, that you are feeling the effects of not having a balanced diet. And I truly believe we can lose incentive when it comes to cooking for just ourselves. I'm still so sorry that this is how it is for you. If I were near I'd be bringing you a nice dinner and piece of pie and definitely help you dig in! Maybe a pizza. A large. From Chicago.

    You might know I love to cook so I think I would do so if it were just for me. I'd keep the servings the same and freeze what I didn't need at the time. And I really don't mean every day of the week. I'm alone all day and hate fast food so I usually have eggs or a simple soup (I love Progresso), maybe a salad, quick and boring. Peruse your recipes or make a list of your favorite meals from the past. Do them when you feel ambitious. Take it slow and easy when you want but please take a multi vitamin and include fruit and veggies everyday in some way.

    I'm sorry I'm so bossy here, I would hope for the same should I ever have questions in this regard.

    Jane x

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  30. I think the soup, the roasted chicken, baked veggies are all good ideas.
    Personally, I have found that my problem is not wanting to stop to fix a meal for myself. What I do is to pick one day to fix several meals, then freeze or refrigerate them to heat up quickly. I'm lazy, I know!

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  31. Not a thing wrong with ANY of the chosen foods...and I've sure noticed how good you are getting at food photos...and I don't think you need any help at all...you are doing so good, Vee...I am so admiring of your good spirit and ...well....just everything. xoxo

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  32. Hi Vee,

    I think your bowl of fruit looks pretty, as well as very tasty. :) Cole slaw? Hmmmm. It sounds like your body is craving what it needs; my husband swears that our bodies crave fruit and veggies when we haven't eaten them in awhile.

    I often feel blah from not eating properly, and that seems to be the case a lot these days. I've simply got to do better. I don't eat well when I'm by myself, but I don't even have that excuse. I can sympathize with your situation, for sure.

    Congratulations on posting eight days in a row! I wish I could do that. I need to be posting more often, but I just can't right now -- too much going on. Take care, my friend, and be well. Thank you for your visit earlier today, and have a good week!

    Hugs,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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  33. Still cooking for 5 adults, so I am not going to be much help. Although, I know if I were in your situation I would be doing exactly the same thing you are. What's wrong with cookies for dinner once in a while. The thing I really love this time of year, though, is soup. Doesn't really matter what kind. One of my favorites lately is a lemony chicken and chicken stock with kale and wild rice soup. I can't seem to get enough of it. I have also made a coconut milk and ginger with chicken soup. I may have to post those recipes on my blog. Hmmm.... stay tuned.

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  34. It would be hard for me to cook for one, too, so I don't have any suggestions other than to G.oogle recipes for one. There is bound to be a plethora to choose from. I'm here alone all day, but I usually have an egg for breakfast since my doc told me I need the protein and eggs are now considered good for us. For lunch, it's usually leftovers or whatever I can find quick to fix like a loaded baked potato (baked in microwave) or a salad.

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  35. Well, I'm late to the party, but I see you have lots of good suggestions already. I'm afraid I would be just like you. Ice cream and popcorn for dinner. But I know that would get old really fast. Love to you, Deborah

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