I started to read a novel once about a woman whose husband died and how she ate a lot of ice cream. While it is easy in the face of loss to not take care of ourselves, this is the time when we need to somehow find the energy to do just that. No matter if a loved one has died or we are coping with the end of a relationship, we must take care of ourselves.
Grief is not just emotional, it's also physical. It takes a toll on our bodies as much as it does our emotions (and our spirituality). It uses a lot of energy to cope with the loss, to get used to a new life. We find we are tired a lot of the time and we lack the energy to do things like grocery shop or make meals.
It's going to take a little more work but the benefit in the later will far outweigh the energy you have to push yourself to put into making better meals. As I continue to write this blog, look forward to recipes that will help you keep your energy at a peak level so you can grief the loss while still being present in your life.
And all those people who have asked you how they can help? Ask them to help you eat healthy: to bring over healthy foods, to give you a hand in making healthy meals. You're giving them an opportunity to help you while they also will be helping themselves.
Don't succumb to the half gallon cartons of ice cream. They are a good treat but not something for dinner every night. You owe it to yourself to go forward (which doesn't mean you forget who or what you have lost). Life is about being present now and the more you do that, the more peace you will find.
I have been using this recipe from Martha Stewart for an afternoon smoothie. I make it with cherries instead of mixed berries and sometimes I'll add unflavored protein powder. For me, afternoon snacking is a challenge and having something that fills me up and gives me more energy is just what I need. Don't freak out that it's tofu! It has no flavor which makes it a great protein source when mixed with other ingredients. Check out the recipe here.