I’m still here, and I’m making myself post something for me. This whole thing is really for me; to keep my head up, to learn to plan, to map my ideas for survival.
I’ll be honest, though, the last two weeks have been more of a struggle than usual. I don’t want this to turn into a recipe blog, because I don’t cook from recipes. Especially not when I’m struggling. It’s more like: “Find a protein. Find a veggie. Find a starch. Season them until they taste like a real meal.”
Eventually, I’d love to test out weekly meal plans and shopping lists. But for now, since I can’t afford to get to the store, I’m just eating from my pantry (i.e., rice, beans, lentils, frozen fish, whatever frozen veggies I still have, and canned tuna). I’m grateful I can buy staples in bulk when possible– it means I can skip the store for a while and still eat (even if it’s pretty simple).
I’m trying to learn more about nutrition because it’s really important to get the nutrients you need when you’re living on a few dollars a day and eating just one or two meals. Ask me how I know.
Vitamin deficiencies are no joke. The last time I went in for a physical, I had to emphatically request that they check my vitamin D. My gut told me it was low, and I was right. I was severely deficient. Honestly, I was grateful to finally know what was wrong, because I had been in constant pain. My bones hurt. My feet tingled with pins and needles. My hips ached. It was terrifying.
I’ve also dealt with hair loss and other issues I’m pretty sure were from low protein and nutrient intake. After finishing my prescription vitamin D, I started a pretty well-rounded multivitamin. So far, most of the pain and symptoms are gone. I’m still losing hair. But honestly, that could just be stress.
Anyway, I told myself I’d write something here tonight so I don’t lose momentum. I’m stressed. I’m anxious. I’m tired from work. But I’m still trying to hope for the future.
I do my best every day not to give up hope — even when things feel hopeless.
Here’s to tomorrow. ❤️