That’s not what some folks would think would go together – some actually think I’ve lost what was left of my mind. (Others question if I ever had one, lol.) But when you really get right down to it and look at what I actually do, it works, and makes things easier in the long run.
You see, on the good days, the non-pain, non-headache days, I make meal plans (menus). These typically run anywhere from 10-14 days, and includes 2 left over nights. and I always have a couple “easy” meals on them just in case we are really busy or I’m having a bad day, (You don’t have to stick strictly to each day, they can be switched up depending on how you’re feeling,) simply because I know the drill by now. If the week goes smooth then hey, I have it easy! I also have enough stuff canned and frozen that if a nasty migraine or fibromyalgia flare pops up in between that a jar of soup or stew can be opened to hold the family over, or some burgers can go on a grill, or some gumbo can go in the cast iron Dutch oven and simmered for a little bit and keep the troops from wasting away until I recover. There’s always bread for sandwiches, jams, fruit butters, cheeses, crackers, fruit and granola bars, and eggs in the house. It may not be the most beautiful meal, but it’s nutritious, balanced, and it will work if the menu plan has run out.
As a large family over the years, and a homeschool family on one income I got us to where I could buy in bulk, and do most of my shopping once a month. That meant I could start doing some cooking ahead days. This has also helped with the migraines and fibro days. I have ground beef already cooked and canned and frozen for spaghetti, tacos, etc. I have hotdogs canned instead of frozen. I have homemade cornedbeef hash. Days that I’ve made lasagna I’ll make two and freeze one, and I’ll do the same with other casseroles, like homemade chicken and beef pot pies. The foil pans are easily available at most grocery stores and come with their own lids.
These are just some easy things you can do to reduce some of your own stress when you have a chronic illness/pain disease or chronic migraines and never know when a flare/attack is going to hit.
Until next time,
The GreenLady
The Green Lady 