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SueS788527
Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐
October 18, 2023

Healthy Lifestyle Matters

  • October 18, 2023
  • 13 replies
  • 5305 views

I know one of the last things, at least for me, was thinking about life or style for that matter, after my husband died.  I was living day to day, at least aware of staying hydrated.  The rest of the well-being necessities – eating a balanced diet, exercise, mobility, sleep, relaxation, etc, has been kicking in over time.  It is a struggle, with many mixed emotions.  However, it is important to do this for the most important person in your life – YOU.  You deserve to be healthy within your own body and mind.  This is different for everyone but there are some basics we know.  So, while we are emotionally healing, please don’t forget the physical side.   If so inclined, embrace the spiritual side as well.  I have found that being more faith-connected has helped to ground me and realize I am not alone.  I wish you all the best as you rebuild your life after the death of your loved one.  Eventually, you may do this with some style and second nature as well.  This is what I am trying to do as well.  Good luck on your continued journey.  Your friend, Sue

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    13 replies

    jonibee
    jonibee
    Community Champion ⭐⭐
    October 18, 2023

    That's good advice because some of us get lost in our grief and our self awareness takes a back seat ..Then we fail to recognize the signs that all is not well.until it's too late..We need to be aware in what;s going on  all around us. Taking the time to assess each need as it presents itself..Little steps no matter how small count in our wellness and wll being..Thank You for addressing this important need to tend to our selves.

      EricC28201
      EricC28201
      Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
      October 19, 2023

      I'm enjoying these posts @SueS788527 ,


      Oddly enough the grieving process 'steered' me to healthier eating habits. I was raised with stereotypical meat & potatoes, salad & veggies on the side eating habits...with a touch of a southern cookin' influence. To manage physical and psychological fatigue, and maintain regularity I had to migrate away from Bacon, Sausage, Red Meat and Dairy toward different options. Chicken, fish (pork loin in a crock pot with onions and shrooms in the winter). Nuts and beans (red beans & rice and black-eye peas were part of the southern cookin' influence). More fresh fruit and veggies (uncooked wherever possible), and dried fruit. Changed to whole grain rice & pasta. Discovered that a little dab of peanut butter got rid of the awful, bitter aftertaste I experienced with sweet potatoes. And, over time, changed from '3 Squares' a day to multiple, smaller, healthier meal/snacks.
      I'm no health nut, and I'm not bragging, these were beneficial changes I made as a result of trying to stay sane during the grieving process.

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        SueS788527Author
        Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐
        October 19, 2023

        Hi, Eric, I think you have made many necessary and creative changes to your eating lifestyle.  Good for you. I am missing some of the bad but tasty treats 😙 but at the end of the day as my primary and only caregiver, I have to adjust like you are doing.  Who knows, maybe one day I will enjoy the nuts and berries as much as the bacon, sausage and ice cream?  You are doing the right thing and I hope others will take your approach to heart.  Have a good day, Sue

          EricC28201
          EricC28201
          Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
          October 20, 2023

           Hi Sue,

           

          I can't take credit for doing any more than repeating to myself countless times over the decades, "Mmmm tastes good...too bad I'm gonna be draggin' ass for the next couple of weeks,".  It was just motivated self interest to avoid rather than endure the consequences of my existing eating habits.

          Reading your post brought to mind how much my shopping and eating habits have changed.

          S
          SueS788527Author
          Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐
          October 20, 2023

          Hi, I wanted to reinforce my view that good health affects all of us.  If we were former caregivers, we generally were totaling committed to the comfort and well-being of our loved one patient(s).  Naturally we gave our full attention to that effort, often by not always fully paying attention to our own.  It took me a long while to realize that and to reorient my priorities.  Eric, in his post below, is a good example of someone who steered himself in the right direction.  I'm sure others have also made adjustments as well.  Please share your insights.  Thanks, and have a good weekend. Sue

            SummerOnTheWay1
            SummerOnTheWay1
            October 26, 2023

            (comment deleted by poster)

              Therapist4u
              Therapist4u
              Community Champion ⭐
              October 27, 2023

              🐔👀🍲😊

              SummerOnTheWay1
              SummerOnTheWay1
              January 18, 2024

              (comment deleted by poster)

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              SueS788527Author
              Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐
              January 18, 2024

              Thank you, Nicole, for reinforcing the importance of well-being, which I am finding is not linear or a given.  The cold and snowy weather in my area does take its toll on my usual walks so I am redirecting my energies to indoor activities like my husband's recumbent bike, floor exercises, breathing.  Perhaps this is the time to start thinking out of the box.  Eating is generally good if I plan ahead and make a few meals and my fruit cup with real fruit.  Ironically, I think eating out is more diffiicult since I have the tendency to buy and eat not so healthy items.  I guess we have to continue to be our own best and only caregivers.  Not always a given.  Just remember we are all in the same boat and splurging with food every once in awhile if you can according to your health is not a bad thing if you just watch how much of a good thing we want.  Of course, food is a good substitute to fill the empty void.  I am still looking on other ways to live a healthy lifestyle to fill that void left by my husband.  Good luck.  Your friend, Sue

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              FoodW715904
              Contributor ⭐
              December 9, 2024

              I agree! I used to think eating a healthy, balanced diet was monotonous and something I never had time for since takeout is a much easier alternative. However, http://infoaidietitian.blogspot.com/2024/11/about-our-health-chatbot.html is something I have been using for quite a while now, and I am thoroughly enjoying it. There are over 100 recipes to choose from that are tailored to your preference. I must say I have seen a significant difference in my mental health, spiritual well-being and overall weight loss. I definitely recommend. 

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              SueS788527Author
              Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐
              January 29, 2024

              Hi, all, I am adding some additional information that may help improve our health.  I highly recommend the book - Eat Right for your Type (Blood type) by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo.  I started reading this book many years to get a better perspective on overall well-being and weight management.  Once I read the book, along with recipes for the various blood types, I realized that most of what I liked to eat was hard for my system to digest and resulted in weight gain.  You may want to check out the book.  In addition, I am looking to purchase an exercise DVD for seniors.  Does anyone have some advice on exercise at home?  Thanks, Sue

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