Mental Wellness: whatever works - zero preparation foods, part 2

So you've got through part one of the blog about why eating can be so difficult for people with moderate to severe mental illness, and you now have your free zero-preparation food list and tips around how to make steps 1-5 more easily digestible.

Shall we continue to break down the process?

6) Deciding what to eat

By having snacks and zero-preparation foods dotted around your house and, importantly, within easy reaching distance, you may already find yourself with increased appetite, motivation and ideas on what to eat at a given time.

If, like me, your illness is variable, and there are times you feel you have a little more energy, you can use this time to plan ahead. You could write a short list on your phone, or on a notepad next to your bed. If it's too much to do alone, ask a friend, partner, family member or mental health professional to help you do this.   

I like to think of 'to do' lists as 'options' lists; I'll write a few options of things I may want do/eat the next day with different levels of difficulty and on the day decide which one is manageable.

 Try not to over-complicate, or set your goals too high; you want to be setting yourself up for success.  


If you're not used to eating any meals, start by trying to add in one meal to your day. 

For some added self-care you could treat yourself to one of these handy little notepads from Knock Knock, currently less than 3 British quid on Amazon💓 (don't forget to select 'new' and not 'used'). 

7) Planning how to prepare the meal

All food items on the shopping list were zero preparation. Bam!

If you're planning on larger or more complicated meals, the first thing you need to consider is what time of day do you tend to function best?  Factor this in to your planning. Set an alarm at that time of day if this helps but don't add too muchpressure to yourself - WHATEVER WORKS, remember?

Did I mention takeaways yet? No? Takeaways can be a godsend! In cities, www.Deliveroo.com options mean that you can get healthier options too. Though I have to admit, I do love a good curry, nom nom.

8) Eating

Firstly, give yourself a bloody big pat on the back for getting to this stage. 

Look at what you've achieved to get here!! Try and enjoy the flavour of this success.

Daily, achievable eating goals:

•  If struggling with eating and drinking too little, try and aim to eat and drink (within a day) as much as the day before, any extra is a bonus.
  
• If struggling with eating too much, try and aim to eat (within a day) as little as the day before, any less is a bonus.

You may not be able to achieve the goals above every day, and that is OK. Do not be hard on yourself with this; this defeats the object, and if you are hard on yourself for being hard on yourself I WILL come over there and hug you! 

You are ill and it is not your fault. Try your best. That's all anyone can ask from you and all you can ask from yourself.

I am not a Dietitian, the advice in this post is from my own personal experience with mental illness. 

Please, if you are concerned about your weight, your eating habits or your nutritional content, ask your GP to refer you to a Dietitian or Eating Disorder Specialist. You don't need to do this alone.

9-11) Wash, dry and put away dishes

Remember what I said about paper plates and plastic cutlery? They can go in the bin. Sure, perhaps it's not great for the environment but, I think you know what's coming: Whatever works!  You can do your bit for the environment when you're better 😏
 

You've done the most important job and I am very proud of you. 

Bye bye steps 9-11

Alternatively, if for whatever reason, you can't or don't want to go with the disposable method, remember, things can wait!

The world doesn't stop because there are dishes in the sink or in the dishwasher. 

Saying that, a tidier environment can make us feel better, and if you can wash, dry and/or put away dishes, that is really great (remember to add in self care and rewards for doing each stage). 

Don't forget that if this is too difficult right now, you can ask family or friends to help you. Again, you could sign up for a site like www.helpfulpeeps.com, or even consider getting a cleaner once in a while. 

Realising you need a helping hand and then reaching out for help is a strength and not a weakness.

12) Collapse in a heap

Exactly as per instructions on the tin. 

Add in some self-care if you can!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read part 2/2 of the Mental Wellness: Whatever Works blog.

Again, please seek professional dietary support via your GP if you have any concerns related to your diet or weight.

I am happy for this information to be shared, printed and distributed far and wide to help as many people as possible.

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