February 2018 | Wesley Hospice

Typically, when you think comfort food, you think large portions with lots of cheese (and maybe a little grease)! We tend to eat comfort food when it’s cold outside or when life gets tough. But, giving into these cravings too much could be bad for your health. It may result in feeling even worse or gaining weight. Check out these tips for when you have a strong comfort food craving.

Tips for eating your favorite comfort food:

Stop when you are full. Often, when eating comfort food we eat far too much. Why? Well, because it makes us feel good. Try to slow down when eating these foods. This will not only allow you to enjoy all of the flavors, but you’ll recognize when you are full, before it is too late.
When you just have to have that mac and cheese, then do it. But, make a conscience decision. Ask yourself, when is the last time I treated myself to something I enjoy eating, but isn’t the best for me? If it was last month, go for it. If it was breakfast this morning, maybe you should skip out this time.
Recognize your triggers. Many times, we can stop ourselves from our cravings if we recognize what is triggering those cravings. Let’s say, for example, you always want chocolate cake after a rough day. The rough day is the problem, not the fact you are craving the cake. You may spend all your time saying, I will stop craving chocolate cake verses, I will take time out of my busy days to take care of myself. By focusing on the problem, not the reaction to the problem, you may be able to limit these cravings.
Modify your favorite comfort foods! There can be many different substitutions for things to make a healthy alternative to your favorite comfort foods, see below to ideas.

Healthy comfort food ideas:

Turkey Chili

Take a note from one of our chef’s favorite dish, Turkey Chili. This spin on traditional comfort food is a healthy alternative! The Turkey Chili recipe combines beans, turkey, veggies and spices for a nutrient dense meal.

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Trick yourself into thinking you’re eating pizza with this healthy crust. Top this heathy crust with veggies and you’re in for a full stomach.

Spinach Artichoke Lasagna

This is a great option for a weekend night, or dinner party. It takes more time to prepare, but your family and friends will thank you!

What are your favorite comfort foods?

By: Peg Carmany

When someone you love is diagnosed with a life limiting illness, it may be a time when the kaleidoscope of your life suddenly snaps into focus. Or it may be a time when the laser focus of your life becomes scattered. And very likely, there will be some of both. Of the research I have done, and the practical tips I can share from my own experience, these are my favorite pieces of advice:

1. Remember there is no right answer on how you’re supposed to act, and you should not assume that you are supposed to know exactly what to do and exactly how to act. It’s OK to fall apart, but one word of caution about that: try not to let the person who is ill be your primary source of comfort when you do hit a wall.
2. When trying to follow Tip 1, remember that your established role with this loved one doesn’t necessarily switch at the moment of diagnosis. Perhaps only one of you has ever been good under stress? It’s okay to keep it that way. Both of you may take great comfort in continuing on with familiar patterns.
3. Make it a priority to show your love as your loved one is facing what may be overwhelming and scary. It’s not all roses and chocolates – be authentic, be honest, and be yourself. Express gratitude to them for how they have positively impacted your life – and share happy memories – and don’t be afraid to say goodbye, tenderly.
4. Respect their authority to make their own decisions, whether you like it or not. These are their choices, not yours.
5. Keep things as normal as possible. Continue watching your favorite tv shows together or listening to their favorite music, it can be a very meaningful thing.
6. Laugh when you can, and don’t be afraid to poke a little fun at the whole situation. A sense of humor will lighten any mood!
7. And perhaps most importantly: listen, and give advice only when asked. This one can be the most challenging. Often, we are great talkers, but not the best listeners.

Remember, your loved one needs your emotional support. If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Often family and friends who live near by are more than willing to help with errands. And, if you need further support, Wesley Hospice can visit your home, the community you live in, and even hospitals.

We send our deepest condolences to the families who are faced with a loved one being diagnosed with a life limiting illness. And, we hope that with these tips you’ll be able to better love your loved one during this time.

How The Wesley Communities are responding to COVID-19: READ HERE

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Month: February 2018

Healthy Comfort Food Recipes

How to Love Your Loved One When They Have a Life Limiting Illness

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