*Trigger warning* Eating for Health and Wellness

[Guest_1055]

I have been struggling eating and eating healthy foods over the last couple of weeks. I really do not want to go back further to how I use to eat, that is eating junk food, takeaways, copious amounts of chocolate, processed junk and comfort eating.

Finding it challenging to stay motivated to actually prepare what I know helps me feel better mentally, emotionally and physically. Plus I have been feeling overwhelmed with other stuff happening in my life, which somehow makes it more challenging. The old unhealthy comfort eating thing is coming back. And I think I am getting concerned and scared about that. I so much do not want to go back to how I use to be. I was so sick. Plus I now have some physical things not right in my body , so I need to be more careful and mindful of what I eat. ( Pre cancer cells , high blood pressure )

I was eating really well since Febuary of this year, it’s just the last couple of weeks I haven’t.

So I would like to use this thread to help me be accountable to Beyond Blue people. So like a diary where I can post and report what I eat. And also any healthy eating tips, motivating strategies to help eat better or anything related to healthy eating for our bodies including our mental health.

[Guest_2496]

Hi Shelley, and all

I agree with Paw Prints - when I read your healthy meals I’m inspired to think about and try new things. And you make healthy food sound appealing! Your walks also give me s nudge.

We all have bad days - eating wise or health but have to take it a day at a time and start again.

I’ve been feeling quite sick today so, while I was less panicky it’s back yet again! Will just rest up and tackle it all again (good,walks) in a day or so.

Irene - exciting your trip is so close!

[Guest_1055]

I did ok today. I ate 1 thing that was not too good. It was an oat bar. My hubby has stashes of these in a large wide glass jar. I was desperate for something sweet.

Dinner-

was a salad, mmm so yummy. ( 2 large handfuls of cos lettuce, diced roast pumpkin, quinoa, toasted almond flakes and a sprinkle of sultanas. Mixed lightly with a dressing of lime juice, tamari, garlic and maple syrup)

Also ate grapes and another healthier option iced chocolate.

[Guest_1055]

Good idea cooking stuff then freezing it. Can help too when we do not feel motivated to cook healthy meals. And motivation does sometimes just disappear.

And yes quinoa is yummy in salads. And if it is already cooked it is real easy then. Pretty sure it is a protein source as well. I really like it.

Irene going to Rome actually sounds so exciting. What's the conference for? Is it food related, as you said you use to teach a food/nutrition class?

Anyway hope you have a real special time over there. Some old beautiful churches over there as well.

[Guest_1055]

Annie I am sorry you are feeling sick, and feeling panicked. I have had panic attacks before. They are truly not nice and can be scary.

Is it from eating junk or maybe from not eating it that makes you feel sick? (withdrawal symptoms) If you would rather not say, that's OK.

And I am glad you feel inspired. I don't know, it sort of makes me happy to know it does. Thanks for telling me.

Wish I could help you feel less panic. Does deep breathing help you at all?

[Guest_2496]

Hi Shelley

Sometimes eating too much junk will upset my tummy. My gut has been a bit out of order for the last few months when a relative's sudden scary illness made me really anxious. (she's now fine, I'm still sorting out my gut issues!) This week it was the after effect of constipation that made me feel unwell, and anxious.

I have mostly health anxiety - so the pain and feeling washed out makes me think all kinds of bad health related things, and I also don't like / fear drs so won't go too often. Don't worry if something felt new or was really worrying me I would go. So, usually a pain sets it off and then I'm not breathing well without even realising and then shoulder and neck muscles cramp up and round and round it goes! (Other times there are a couple of relatives, and situations, that I'll feel anxious around but it's mostly health related).

Deep breathing does help and thank you for reminding me. You know I recently had that houseguest and during times like that I don't keep up with my regular self care things. At least I recognised that this time so that's a step forward.

x

[Guest_1055]

I read this and thought it was a good tip.

If you are planning to eat something that is not ideal for your health, first drink a glass of water, then eat any raw vegetable and then eat the junk food. Do not obsess over it. Your body will suffer anyway, so don't punish yourself mentally as well

[IreneM]

HI to all,

You have asked about the reason for the trip to Rome. It is a Research Conference on Acute Kidney Injury. I already represent these patients in the local State Planning for Kidney Care project. So when the overseas conference came along I expressed interest in it only to get invited to go over. In doing so it will be of benefit to the local team as well we hope. Currently there is no care framework for these patients which is why we are trying to figure out a way to get them back into the health system instead of falling through the cracks.

Back to this topic on Food I said that: Cabbage is one of the stomach's best friends.

Here is a Recipe that can be turned into a dish with the flavour of your choice this time I used Lemon and Pepper. Serves at least four people:

Cabbage Meal.

Ingredients:

Onion (diced),

(Optional but advisable) up to three cloves of garlic (finely sliced or crushed),

Few slices of low-fat meat (I use bacon but it can be ham, chicken, turkey, whatever is on hand) diced.

Half a cabbage sliced.

Cooking:

Dice up to 3 onions and simmer in a pan in a dash of oil over high heat for a few minutes until it starts to sizzle; reduce the heat to a low simmer and add the diced meat and simmer until soft.

Add sliced cabbage and let it wilt into the mixture, by putting the lid on for a few minutes (if it shows signs of sticking to the pan add a dash of water to encourage steaming).

NB: this can be speeded up by putting the cabbage into a freezer bag with a tiny bit of water seel the bag and with a few holes can be steamed on high in the microwave for a couple minutes, before adding to the mixture.

Add flavourings of your choice from ground spices or just simply season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Serve immediately or put into storage containers and refrigerate or freeze until needed.

If using ground spices in your flavourings, add it to the pan and gently toast it at the start for a fuller flavour. Then add the onion and coat it with the spices.

[Guest_1055]

Yes I do remember you said you had a recent house guest. I wonder if making sure you have healthy meals and snacks ready in your fridge would help with the eating part of self care? Maybe you already thought of that.

The health anxiety does not sound too pleasant, does it? I am sorry you experience this Annie. Oh I wish I could help you be free of this in your life.

How are you going with eating healthy foods? I made it to 3 days. Then caved in. From previous times, I know if we can make it past day 4 and perhaps day 5. Well the cravings for refined sugary stuff and other junk diminishes a bit. That has been my experience. Just got to get past that hump.

Do you take anything to help with the gut issue. I have heard slippery elm bark is good. It does sound a bit weird if you have never heard of it. You mix it into liquid and then drink it. You would buy it from a health food store.

[Guest_1055]

The conference you are going to, sounds like a worthwhile thing to do Irene. It's good that you are able to help other people. And you would possibly know how this people with kidney issues feel. Anyway it's great!

Thankyou for the recipe. I like cabbage, especially with garlic in it.. As I generally do not use oil, except maybe a bit of sesame oil in Asian type dishes. I would water fry the onion, cabbage, garlic and spices in a bit of veggie broth. Once this is cooked. I would remove some for myself (maybe add chickpeas instead of meat) then continue on with adding the meat. In my family their are 2 meat eaters.

I personally would not choose or eat bacon. And if you are trying to help your body heal (which I am) I would stay away from it. It is full of nitrites and other preservatives which are known to promote cancer cells to grow. (so sorry if this sounds unfriendly or anything, also scared of being rejected, cautious of offending or hurting others, and hate and will run from conflict) But I really care about other people and felt I needed to say this about bacon.

For these other 2 guys in my family I would use skinless diced chicken breast most likely.

Thankyou Irene

[MsPurple]

Hi Everyone

I was dog sitting this weekend and busy with appointments beforehand, so haven't been on the forums much

I know what you mean, by 'everything feels tied in with food' (not quote just what I got out of it). I myself have had various eating disorders (let's do ED for short) and still relapse and then try not do it again. I recently gave in which isn't great, but I don't punish myself over it. I try get back on the wagon

For me exercise is my outlet. Yes some people worry it can be a sign of the ED however for me I find it can help. So if I have an event in a week or training for one, then I am determined to keep on the straight and narrow. Even if tempted I was like 'no you want to meet this half marathon goal, you will ruin it if you give in, and you have worked so hard for this to ruin it at the 11th hour'. I also make sure I go into everything well fueled with adequate gels/electrolytes for it.

It is so true. If someone is an alcoholic, they can't touch the stuff again, but you have to eat to live and you want to enjoy it to. Finding the balance is key. But can be easier said than done