Widows & Widowers Support Group

I hear you. My husband was insulin dependent so we ate healthy. I enjoyed cooking for him also, he would eat whatever I made. I have not been eating the way I should the past year but I am trying to do a little better. I guess we just need to make our minds up that we are going to get back on track and take care of ourselves. Though I have to admit, I have been eating a lot of things I shouldn't and I should be on cholesterol medicine but I'm not. Here's what I think--we need to return to better nutrition but it may mean we need to get back gradually. It's probably a good idea to prepare some things and freeze them, that way you don't have to go to a lot of trouble. I know if I don't have anything planned, I tend to not eat the way I should.

My husband was the cook in our family. He loved to grill and cooked everyday. I didn't know how to cook when I met him and never enjoyed it, so I let him. After he died, I couldn't pull out a pot without bawling. It took me months to start learning how and the kids still hate my cooking. (lol) So they help alot. But my daughter moves out soon and it will be me and my son and he's never home, so I guess it will be just me. Frozen dinners or fast food I guess.

I know what you mean about the weight creeping on...it's hard not to overindulge and get crazy with bad eating when in the depths of grief...Wes and I didn't live together, he was moving in on the 15th of Nov, but we did spend alot of time on our long weekends eating together and certain things just kill me...he always cooked for me, I never cooked a meal when we were together and I regret that I didn't get to cook for him, he was always promising to cook this and that for me and make his speciality pies for me and I am so sad that he never got to do that..he had already planned my birthday cake for my bday in December....so sad...I inherited his cutting boards and knives and some cookwear and when I use the cutting board and see the knife marks on it I am comforted and torn apart at the same time. He was an amazing cook, had taken chef schooling and it was one of the great joys of his life...I"m about 90% vegetarian and Wes was a big meat eater...when I'm cooking my veggie dinners I can hear Wes in my mind telling me I need a big fat steak to go with that rabbit food lol..God I miss him. Sorry for the big long ramble!

My husband was a really healthy eater. Lots of fruits and vegetables, He thought I was a great cook. Never complained about anything I prepared. Now I eat frozern dinners or sandwiches. It is too lonely to eat by myself and not worth the effort to prepare a "real" meal. I don't even sit at the dining room table any longer. Just take the food and sit in front of the TV. We never ever ate while watching TV. How things have changed and not for the better,

What's for supper?
Pringles & Fudge-striped cookies. ~Bon Appetit'!

Gotta shape up, guys! Joe was an over the road driver for 15 years of our marriage, so I was used to cooking for one when he was gone. I never could, and still can't, cook for one. I make enough for an army, good thing I like leftovers. And I'm the queen of the one dish entree. Throw some pasta in a pot, saute up garlic, onions, whatever veggies you have on hand, leftover chicken, whatever!! It's healthy and filling, and it takes like 15 minutes. I know the effort seems like a mountain. Cooking focuses me, just makes me feel better. It's for me, now, and that's ok. Hugs, Marsha (and I'll be glad to share recipes)

Wow, this thread has been an eye-opener. I'm not alone in this craziness of trying to get back on track with healthy choices.

When our daughters graduated and left to be on their own, it was our great pleasure to eat out as often as time and money would permit. I still cooked but not on the scale as when the girls were at home. At this point in time, I am not eating healthy as I tend to snack in the evening. When I go out with friends or by myself, it is about the only time I have good, nutritional, well-balanced meals. As odd as it sounds, I have found that going to a restaurant makes me feel normal, part of society so to speak. Thanks for addressing this subject. I think most of us struggle with it. TJ

It's no fun cooking for just 1 person...... So it's whatever I have in the house or I go get a salad at Wendy's.....I love the Chicken Mandarine Orange salad.....and its not too far from the house to go. My husband was the cook. I didn't cook for most of the 16 years we were together and married. After he died I didn't cook at all. Like I said it's whatever was in the house or I'd eat out. Then when started seeing Bobby, I had to learn how to cook all over again. I enjoyed making all the "cajun" dishes I hadn't made in a long time and Bobby loved my cooking. So I don't think I really eat healthy.

Another great topic. My Robert was the cook of the house.. Gourmet and he had many many cookbooks. We really did not eat as a family because our boys are big and sometimes the younger one would grab fast food and go. We mainly eat as a family on the holidays. My older son has the gene that his Dad had and he enjoys cooking. I miss coming home from work and Dad cooking in the kitchen. he made delicious crab cakes. I am just the opposite when it comes to weight. I lost 12 lbs in 2 weeks initially after my Robert passed away and have gained a little back, but I still don't eat much. Some of my clothes are falling off of me.

LOL Cyndi. Looks like a lot of us are struggling in this area. I guess the good thing is that there are a lot of healthy choices even at the fastfood joints. i.e. Mr. Pita and we can get lowfat frozen entrees but lets make a pact girls to care fourselves a little more. Our surviving family members need us. I melted some cheese,egg and a little milk together nput it on some ww toast. Chased it down with some low sodium v8 juice.