So... thinking of cooking, baking, whatever...
Thinking about having to get ready to go out... then to get to the shop and buy ingredients... then having to talk to the nosy checkout person... then getting back home. That all before having to prepare ingredients, do the cooking and hope it turns out OK. AND... then the washing up... not just what you've used to cook but also the kitchen, the plates.... *sigh*
What's the point.....?
So... lets break this down. Internet shopping is amazing if you have access. On a day you feel you can, sit in your pyjamas, with a mug of coffee or tea and think of what you want to cook this week. Nothing complicated. Even if it is baked potato and beans, or scrambled egg on toast... you will have cooked a meal which is nutritious and should be proud of yourself. And if it's more adventurous... awesome!!
Then when you have the list, sit with the radio on and do it online! Most places deliver at all sorts of times... so if you are anything like me and have weird sleep patterns, perfect! These are usually free or cheap delivery! When it arrives don't feel like you have to unpack it all if there is no one to help... just put the stuff you need to in the freezer or fridge and leave the rest in the bags until tomorrow or until you can. Sorted.... step one done!
If you don't have access to the internet don't worry. This is how I do it. Make a list, then walk/ drive to the supermarket or local shop. Even if you only pick up dinner for today or tomorrow it doesn't matter. For me, getting ready and walking to the shop was a really big deal, and some days I just couldn't face it. Just make sure you have something in for those days... either pre-made in the freezer (recipes to come), or ready meals, or something simple like tinned soup. And if you do make it out, be proud of yourself. It can be a really big deal.
Now, if you are feeling low and can't face cooking something big... don't! Save it for another day. You have ingredients for another time... tonight its something simple... crackers and dips or crisps and ice cream. Don't worry, we all do it.
So when up to it, get the recipe and ingredients out. I try at this point to just focus on what I am doing... even if it is just going through the motions without any feeling. This WILL change... in time. So follow the recipe... sit back and allow it to cook. If you don't feel like eating afterwards... so what? Save it for tomorrow. Now... forget about the washing up!!!! (SHOCK, HORROR!).
Do it tomorrow, or later if you feel up to it. If you are cooking for others too ask them to help. Not just with the washing up, but buying the food and cooking! If I cooked, my partner would clean. Actually even if I ate snack food I would struggle to wash up... it just seemed like the biggest thing in the world. I am lucky that my partner would help me (or my parents when I lived with them). If someone wants to support you, let them. I found this really hard, as I was very independent. But now I allow people in when they want to help. It didn't just help me but also allowed them help in an otherwise helpless situation (well.. that's what it feels like). Even if it is just something small.
I hope this helps, even if it is just a little bit. Like I said in my last post, it is just based on my own experience. And sometimes I cant always remember everything... but if I do I will post it later! Any other ideas please say!!!!
Take care of yourself. Lots of love xxx
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