We Need to Talk…What’s for Dinner?
I will never be a contestant on Chopped (or any other cooking show). I do not cook for fun. Cooking is not enjoyable or easy for me. You know what else is not enjoyable or easy? Divorce. Divorce is the opposite of enjoyable or easy, no matter what the circumstances.
Overwhelming emotions and grief in general can cause forgetfulness and exhaustion as you navigate through the separation and divorce process. It is hard to feel in control of anything when you are consistently anticipating the next steps in the legal process with so many unknowns; but one thing I know for sure is that your nutrition habits can positively impact your ability to deal with what is coming your way. I may or may not have learned this the hard way.
One of the best friends I have had in life told me, “We need to talk…about what’s for dinner” two weeks and 12 pounds down on the scale into my separation. I was simply consumed with the shock of my situation that I had no desire to cook, let alone eat. This presented a problem for a few reasons. First of all, I’m a mother and made feeding my children a priority, but making sure they were fed took all of my energy. When I did not feel like cooking, we made fast food runs. This not only became expensive all of a sudden on a single and limited budget, but also provided poor nutrition. When nutrition is lacking, you can count on the following things to be equally as poor:
- Vitamin intake that helps protect and heal the body such as preventing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
- Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels which can make you too sleepy, too active, too stressed, or too cranky (no, you are not this way only because of the divorce).
- Energy levels that allow you to participate and maintain interactions at home, work and in your social life.
- Immune system function… which simply means you will be sick more often. And if you have transitioned into being a single parent, you are well aware that your children need you healthy and well.
If you need to talk about what’s for dinner, carve out an hour in your week where you can meal plan and prep. Pinterest is my new best friend! Each week, my children and I sit down together to pick out meals. We make our grocery list and plan out the next week.
Not only is this valuable time encouraging healthy habits with my children, but I am glad to report that I have gone back to a healthy weight, my stress has reduced, and my blood sugar levels stabilized. My moods have also stabilized, which I can tell everyone appreciates. I sleep better, which means I also have more energy. Also, I have managed to avoid being detrimentally sick during one of the most difficult times of my life. Side bonus: I save $100 each week by having a plan. I have been able to take this savings and pay attorney fees as I continue to invest in myself and my future!
Personal Recommendation: Make meal planning fun and a priority! Carve out one hour a week to plan your meals, your grocery list, and stick to the plan. If you are a parent, consider cooking time as a family bonding activity. Cooking together has become a time to laugh together, to discuss our days, and to celebrate good and nutritious food. Also, do not forget to drink your water!
– Anonymous Client
“Through the Client’s Eye” blog series stems from the desire of Modern Legal clients to share information to those who have yet to endure a family law matter. Each client’s story is exquisitely unique; however, there are many times when a client will say at the end of the case, “I wish I had known…” This blog series focuses on filling that gap as a means to help anyone who is about to start or is in the midst of a family law dispute. The comments contained in each blog reflect the feelings and viewpoint of the respective client. All identifying information has been withheld to protect said client’s identity as well as any related legal matter.
