Living for One
Wow, what a crazy few months it has been, but I guess that is to be expected when you make a major life change. Even though I was the one who initiated the change, going from being married to being single again after 10 years requires some adjustments. Sometimes it has been an adventure of meeting new people and trying new things. Other times it gets pretty lonely. I guess that is par for the course as I move forward with life.
I've reached the point now where I want to get back to the Let's Get Real principles I wrote about and try to loose some more weight. Actually, considering all I've been through in the last five months, it is amazing that I've only gained about 3 pounds. I tend to be an emotional eater, but I guess living the "eat when I'm hungry, stop when I've had enough, and keep moving" way of life while writing the monthly column has stuck with me since.
One thing I've given up is going to the gym. I loved working out, but since I moved to Concord it is nearly impossible to get to the gym in Henniker. My schedule is too packed to include a half-hour drive each way and an hour workout. I would like to join one in Concord, but I'm still paying for the one in Henniker until September.
I've started walking just about every day, which is a real trip considering I live on Loudon Road! At least there is a lot to see while I'm walking.
Probably the hardest adjustment has been meal planning for one. Just a few years ago I was cooking for 5 people. Some of my favorite recipes I still make and then freeze in smaller containers. But I find it easier to just cook a frozen dinner or get take out, which isn't always the healthiest option. I'm also the food writer for the Hippo newspaper. I write 4 to 5 articles each week, and that takes me to a lot of restaurants and food shops where, of course, I have to try things. There are days when the only vegetables I eat are French fries and ketchup. (Yes, I still also write for the Monitor, mostly travel stuff. I am also going to do a few pieces on divorce.)
My plan for now is to keep walking and to add more fresh foods into my diet. I can't wait for the farmers' market to open. I also plan to get one of those George Foreman grills since I really don't have a place to keep an actual grill.
Any advice from those of you who have gone through this? Or even ones who haven't. I would love to hear from you. (Also, where's a good Chinese restaurant in town?)
Walking and Food.. Yum..
Hi Linda,
Long time no chat! For me personally, walking every day and eating chicken, fish and more veggies and fruits have been the key. According to my nutrionist, take it easy on the corn-on-the-cob. Dang!! I live around the corner from the "Corn King", so laying off the corn is a real challenge come summer and fall. He he.
Walk and walk some more, just do as much as you can each day. For Chinese, have you tried the Tea Garden yet? Best Chinese in town, IMHO. Since you live on Loudon Road I'm sure you're already discovered the Red Apple Buffet.. danger Will Robinson, danger! ;) If you haven't tried it, don't!
If you try the Tea Garden, just walk down and back, then you can make up for the guilt of indulging in the goodies. Enjoy!
Judy
Meals for one
Linda:
It's great to have you back.
Al & I purchase some beef fillets and chicken breasts (usually 7-10 days worth) and marinate them. We then grill it to the halfway-done point, or you could just cook them the way you like. We then freeze them in packages of two. When we want them, we just thaw them out, nuke them for about a minute and a half, and add salad. It's real easy and avoids a big mess during the week. I've come to really love cooking like this.
It sounds like you are really progressing forward with your life. Congratulations!
Susan
Thanks for the tip
Judy,
Thanks for the tip on the Tea Garden. I haven't tried any local places yet because, with Chinese food, it can be either really good or really bad. I'll have to check out your suggestion.
Yeah, I really need to up my veggie consumption. I went to the Co-op on Sunday and bought some great sugar snap peas and radishes. They were gone by that evening! Guess I'll buy more next time.
Good idea
Susan,
Thanks for the encouragement! It's taking a little time, but I am so much happier with life now, so even the lonely days aren't too lonely.
You reminded me that I want to freeze some meet in individual portions so I can grab one when I want it. I think that would be another way to eat healthier on a day to day basis.
Freezing
Linda,
It's good to hear from you again.
Although this is slightly off-topic, the freezing of individual portions is a time saver and a great idea. I'm working on implementing this with my daughter Elizabeth & her family. Elizabeth & her husband are in the Air Force, and when they come home they are usually exhausted. I'm hoping to show them that by freezing individual portions, they will save time in the evening preparing food, and that way they will have more time with their kids.
Good Luck!!!
Have you considered riding a bicycle? I never drive in town now; I ride my $10 rummage sale bike everywhere. Not only is it wonderful exercise, it saves money, relieves the environment of some of the damage from pollution and the depletion of fossil fuels, gets me places a car can't always go, but probably most important...it's fun! As adults, we don't seem to realize that, if something was fun as a child, it most likely still is, but we left it somewhere on the side of the road on our way to adulthood.
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. ~ Ghandi
(sorry about the double post down there)