A Day in the Life: Nutrition

This week we are discussing nutrition and nourishment and I’ll be honest this is an area where I struggle and most generally always have.

Growing up, there wasn’t exactly a focus on how to eat properly, and then during my young adult years, affordability was a factor that again led to poor choices overall. That foundation or lack of rather is likely the reason I find it hard to be a good role model for my child when it comes to food. It’s truly as if I need to tell her don’t do anything you see me do when it comes to nutrition, but I know that is not possible. She does eat many more vegetables and fruits than I ever did and usually prefers water, so at least there’s that!

Convenience definitely plays a large role in my life right now and I don’t know that that can change any time soon. I usually choose quick meals from Sam’s Club or frozen meal bags from Walmart. I can make spaghetti, tacos, or crockpot meals that don’t require a lot of prep. But, to be honest, 3 out of 7 days a week tend to be drive-through or order-out days because of our schedules. That’s just a fact of life right now.  Once upon a time, before grad school, a full-time job, working from home, and catering to a busy pre-teen child with her many activities, I food prepped on Sunday and also printed new recipes that I actually tried. It was probably the healthiest I’d ever been but also the least busy as well. I kind of miss those days...

So, overall, I would say that lack of time and lack of proper education on nutrition are the two main factors that cause me the most anxiety when it comes to food. The struggle is real with teaching an old dog new tricks when it comes to eating properly.

On the menu for today:

Breakfast – Coffee + protein on the way to school drop-off – I think I can, I think I can... 

Lunch – Croissant with bacon, egg, and cheese from a coffee shop on campus after class + water – trying to get a bit more protein but again, on the go!

Snack – A few miniature candy bars from the Halloween bucket while working from home – it's the day after Halloween.. what did you expect?!

Dinner – Veggie pasta + meat  + mushroom spaghetti, salad, and a Dr. Pepper to top it off (shh.. this is my happy place) – did you see I used veggie pasta and made a "pre-bought" salad?! I tried!

Snack – Pretzels I found in the pantry after everyone went to sleep and I’m still working 16 hours after starting the day + water – I have no shame this late at night... but I know it's not a great choice but I had WATER, too!

How I could redesign my experience with food? 

• Take more time for me to eat properly and go to the store alone so I can pay closer attention to details
• As my child gets older, I can have her help with meals preparations and be part of the experience
• We can plan together to make the experience healthier and more engaging

All these are great ideas but implementing them will take time, effort, and incredible determination.

Wish me luck!
stacey