Suggestions please.

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 11:44 am

could you give us any ideas of the foods you like?

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 11:57 am

I am happily remarried now but just like you, I had a period when I had to 'feed myself'.

I made a conscious decision to cook a decent meal every day......and I did until the effort became too much.

Its not recipes you need.....you know what you like to eat.

Its the will to eat.....setting some time to do it properly.

I suspect you are feeling down.

Sort that part of your life out and the rest will follow.

Get out socialising or even taking a walk before settling down after work

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 11:59 am

Before Sunset;1037934 wrote: A little background . . . I've been on my own for over a year after being married/ taking care of a family for many years. At first, I was pretty good about making sure I had food around, cooked it, ate it sitting down, not standing over the sink or something weird like that. But for a while now I've been backsliding . . . I'm not eating, I never cook, I don't feel like shopping for food, or when I do, I end up buying canned soup or something. Consequently, I'm bored with what's in my kitchen when I do get slightly hungry and I don't eat anything. Obviously, this isn't a good thing. Can you guys give me some ideas to jump start my menu or interest in eating or whatever. I think it needs to be simple, tasty stuff. I know how to cook. I have tons of recipes from when I used to cook for my family. It's not that. I don't know what it is--lack of interest? I don't know. I just know I need to do something about it, and I thought maybe someone here who'd been in the same situation might have some suggestions.

I was on my own for a few years and really enjoyed preparing meals for myself. I don't like to take a lot of time in preparation and always plan for leftovers. Meatloaf, love it hot or cold, on sandwiches, with gravy. Spaghetti is another good choice and the leftovers are always good. I enjoyed playing around with salads and experimenting. Different kinds of fish are fun to grill, bake, microwave. I always set the table for one, placemats and knapkin, flowers in a vase, very civilized. A good bottle of wine and a book to read as I eat or my favorite music.

devist8me · Post by **devist8me** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:00 pm

My biggest problem when cooking for myself is that all recipes usually have ingredients for 4 people or more.

I got to where I would still make that amount, but divide it into meals, and either refridgerate or freeze depending on what it was. Chili and stews are real good to freeze and pull out with a fuss. Some things really taste good after sitting in spices for a long time.

I also use to take my "leftovers" to work for other to try. This really worked well when I worked nights. I'd get up, cook a big meal at 4 pm or so. Eat, then take fresh leftovers for my coworkers for a meal. This was great as I was able to try new things and they thought I rawked for bringing them dinner.

As for not eating over the sink, and sitting down, I'm not help there. I am bad about eating on the run or "over the sink".

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:04 pm

Is it a possibility you could get a dog as their excellent for getting you out walking and if you walk enough, you will soon build up an appetite.

Maybe set one day for cooking and freeze some plates of food, meat,pots and veg so you just have to defrost and warm up, no real effort involved. Twice baked jacket pots are good for that as they freeze really well. My mother in law refills hers with tuna and onion, corned beef, cheese and onion and egg . So she has plenty of variety and she just serves them with veg or baked beans.

Maybe now winter is here, one pot stews and slow cooker recipes may tempt you. They cook all day and the smell may be irresistible.

How am doing?:wah::wah::wah::wah:

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:10 pm

devist8me;1037952 wrote: My biggest problem when cooking for myself is that all recipes usually have ingredients for 4 people or more.

I got to where I would still make that amount, but divide it into meals, and either refridgerate or freeze depending on what it was. Chili and stews are real good to freeze and pull out with a fuss. Some things really taste good after sitting in spices for a long time.

I also use to take my "leftovers" to work for other to try. This really worked well when I worked nights. I'd get up, cook a big meal at 4 pm or so. Eat, then take fresh leftovers for my coworkers for a meal. This was great as I was able to try new things and they thought I rawked for bringing them dinner.

As for not eating over the sink, and sitting down, I'm not help there. I am bad about eating on the run or "over the sink".

You need to learn how to enjoy a meal. Last nite I broiled a NY steak, microwaved a baked potato & frozen spinach, fixed a salad with tomato, cucumber, red onion, celery, green peppers / oil and vinegar and a half bottle of Merlot. No leftovers cept the unfinished bottle of wine. Meal cost about $ 7.00 not counting the wine. Beats the hell out a Big Mac with fries and drink. No way I could enjoy the meal standing over the sink.

devist8me · Post by **devist8me** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:17 pm

Lon;1037960 wrote: You need to learn how to enjoy a meal. Last nite I broiled a NY steak, microwaved a baked potato & frozen spinach, fixed a salad with tomato, cucumber, red onion, celery, green peppers / oil and vinegar and a half bottle of Merlot. No leftovers cept the unfinished bottle of wine. Meal cost about $ 7.00 not counting the wine. Beats the hell out a Big Mac with fries and drink. No way I could enjoy the meal standing over the sink.

Perhaps you could come show first hand! woot!

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:18 pm

this morning I threw some braising steak in the crock pot and covered it with gravy. Then I went out for the day, ten pin bowling. Come home, peel spuds for mashed potato and put some cauliflower cheese into the oven...Zero effort...Maximum flavour...You need to get inspired about food again, get some recipe books from the library, go to taster sessions.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 3:16 pm

Sounds like you are in a "funk", BeforeSunset.

You do need to eat and take care of yourself.

The above menu ideas are all great. How about treating yourself to a night at a nice restaurant with a friend.

Don't eat anything, until you are hungry. Then, take your time and enjoy each mouthful.

Even while you're dining home alone, set the table. Put a small centerpiece on the table. Play some music that you enjoy. You deserve it!

cars · Post by **cars** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 4:08 pm

Well so far no one has mentioned frozen meals prepared for one! Such as "Lean Cusine"! (In most supermarkets) They're delicious! (Pick up 6 or 7 & keep them for when you don't feel like cooking) Just pop one in the microwave for 5 to 6 minutes and you have a fairly healthy meal! Dietetic as well! If really hungry have two! Another brand is "Healthy Choice", you could get whichever is on sale.

Good luck, & take care of yourself!

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 4:52 pm

Before Sunset;1037941 wrote: I'm not picky at all really. Just don't like stuff like cow brains and internal organs. :wah:

Well I cant help you then.

A thing I like to do is when I eat out if the dish was something I really enjoyed Ill try to re-create it at home. It makes cooking fun and interesting, it becomes a challenge.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 5:14 pm

cars;1039014 wrote: Well so far no one has mentioned frozen meals prepared for one! Such as "Lean Cusine"(

Just my own thoughts but.....

NO !!!!!

Dont go there......

But of course thats just me.

cars · Post by **cars** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 5:42 pm

Bruv;1039056 wrote: Just my own thoughts but.....

NO !!!!!

Dont go there......

But of course thats just me.
The "thousands" of those products sold weekly reinforce your statement, it is just you!!!!

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 5:52 pm

Horses for courses, or better, tools for the job in hand.

I thought we were trying to get Before Sunset back to enjoying food and all it entails.

That is a alteration of lifestyle, a raising of morale.....not a visit to the frozen section of a supermarket.

I dont care how many of these products sell.

minks · Post by **minks** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 6:53 pm

Eat your iron dearest.... if your iron is down you can get into this kind of fun, been there done that.... if you have a BBQ throw on a small steak, microwave a baked potato and steam up some beans, or broccoli, spinnach or throw together a tossed salad.

Do you like baked potatoes,

cook them up and top them with steamed broccoli and shred some cheeze on top and briol till cheeze is melted.

Boil some eggs, and have them with a bowl of cereal.

Boil some eggs and toss them into a salad

open a can of tuna or salmon and toss into a salad.

Boil up some pasta and drain, chop chunks of cheddar into it, one can of drained tuna, some bacon bits, one sliced boiled egg and dress with 1 part itallian bottled salad dressing and 2 parts sour cream. Best served cold but so tasty who can wait.

Do you have an indoor grill like a george formans?? Season a chicken breast with some cajun like spice, grill it up and cut into chunks and toss into a premade caesar salad from a bag, makes am awesome chicken caesar salad

buy pre cut stir fry beef strips and scramble fry these in some red wide and soy sauce add cut up your choice of veggies (pepers, onions, mushcrooms, baby corn, carrots etc) cook until tender stir in bottled teryiaki sauce and serve over rice.

good luck I am sure this too shall pass.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 7:30 pm

are you now feeling depressed, not interested in things you used to be, loss of appetite, sleep more now, no longer have interests in phoning and chatting with folks, no desires or motivations left, don't feel like going out anymore and socializing?

if so, and this does happen, perhaps its time to tell your doctor.

or even if its just lack of appetite, I would suggest you still see your doctor.

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 6:06 am

Hi Before Sunset,

This is what helps me when I'm busy or not feeling too well.

Every 2 weeks or less I spend one night cooking up a storm. I love "hot and spicy" foods so I cook all of my favorites and put them into small freezer containers....meals for 1 or 2.

Come dinner time, I just pull out a meal and add a healthy salad, fruit and veggie.

Ducky has convinced me to buy a slow cooker. Haven't had a chance to use it, but I will this weekend. There's tons of recipes for the cooker and you can buy a small or large one.

Feel better:-6I'll bump up my thread in case you're interested in tasty food....yummy:p

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 6:23 am

Bruv;1039072 wrote: Horses for courses, or better, tools for the job in hand.

I thought we were trying to get Before Sunset back to enjoying food and all it entails.

That is a alteration of lifestyle, a raising of morale.....not a visit to the frozen section of a supermarket.

I dont care how many of these products sell.
The post mentioned "for days when you don't feel like cooking" to pop in a ready made meal and just heat it up! So as to at least keep Sunset nourished during those times!!

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 6:26 am

cars;1039336 wrote: The post mentioned "for days when you don't feel like cooking" to pop in a ready made meal and just heat it up! So as to at least keep Sunset nourished during those times!!

So true Cars:-6:p

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 6:38 am

Before Sunset;1037934 wrote: A little background . . . I've been on my own for over a year after being married/ taking care of a family for many years. At first, I was pretty good about making sure I had food around, cooked it, ate it sitting down, not standing over the sink or something weird like that. But for a while now I've been backsliding . . . I'm not eating, I never cook, I don't feel like shopping for food, or when I do, I end up buying canned soup or something. Consequently, I'm bored with what's in my kitchen when I do get slightly hungry and I don't eat anything. Obviously, this isn't a good thing. Can you guys give me some ideas to jump start my menu or interest in eating or whatever. I think it needs to be simple, tasty stuff. I know how to cook. I have tons of recipes from when I used to cook for my family. It's not that. I don't know what it is--lack of interest? I don't know. I just know I need to do something about it, and I thought maybe someone here who'd been in the same situation might have some suggestions.

I have highlighted the parts I picked up on.

Nothing wrong with readymeals.....but not the solution in this incidence I believe

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 7:24 am

Bruv;1039357 wrote: I have highlighted the parts I picked up on.

Nothing wrong with readymeals.....but not the solution in this incidence I believe

You're missing the intent, readymeals were not to be a solution, but instead a temp fix to at least keep her healthy while she's feeling down & out & not wanting to fuss with cooking! To at least keep her nourished!

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 7:34 am

We both have her interests at heart Im sure....I just have a different slant on it.

I see readymeals as part of the problem.

I have been in this situation and its a lethargy that takes over, it so much easier to have a cheese sandwhich or beans on toast to fill your empty stomach, readymeals are an extension of that lethargy.....

I also dont like parents who pander to their children who choose as their battle for independence the meal regime in households.(But thats another topic)

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 7:45 am

Right, we agree to disagree!

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 7:51 am

cars;1039430 wrote: Right, we agree to disagree!

But we both care enough to state our case.....and that cant be bad.