Healthy Lifestyle Matters

[SueS788527]

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

[SueS788527]

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

[Winter2024]

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[SueS788527]

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

[FoodW715904]

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. 

[SueS788527]

Thank you for sharing.  I am seeing more of my friends getting sick as they age.  Some of this is due to aging but other times lifestyle kicks in as well.  In addition, if you spend any time watching TV ads, I am surprised about the number of ads on the miracle drugs out there.  All I can say is be careful. Consult with your doctor.  Sometimes there are side effects that are not described in any detail. We are now our only caregivers so be good to your body.  Sue

[Winter2024]

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[Therapist4u]

🐔👀🍲😊

[SueS788527]

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

[EricC28201]

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.

[SueS788527]

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]

 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.

[SueS788527]

Hi, Eric, you are a good example of making positive changes after the loss of a loved one.  I agree that my loss has also steered me to more important and necessary life adjustments. They have often been subtle and gradual which in my case helps set the new lifestyle I want to achieve.  Thank you for sharing and again I hope reading these reading these posts will try some of Eric's approaches for a healthier lifestyle.  Have a good weekend, Sue.

[jonibee]

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.