Feeding Yourself at Low Capacity

If you're struggling to feed yourself or your children right now, that is not an

uncommon thing. You are not doing anything wrong, and there are solutions,

so let's talk about it.

Food Box #1

Box #1 is going to be full of the easiest options to eat when you're at your lowest capacity and you're struggling to get to the refrigerator for any reason. This box is perfect for when you're experiencing impaired mobility or a mental health flare because the items in this box can be kept right beside you; you don't need to go to the fridge, use the microwave, or do cleanup of any kind.

I like to keep things in my bin that are going to be high in protein, but they're also safe foods. There are things that I can eat no matter how badly I'm feeling, while there are certain foods that are very difficult for me- this box is not for food items that you have to stretch yourself to eat. Just get a bunch of things that are easy for you or your family.

Some ideas for box #1 are:

• Single-serve peanut butter

• Pop-Tarts

• Cereal in a bag

• Granola bars

• Chips/crackers

• Protein drinks (that don't require refrigeration)

I also think peanut butter sandwiches are great to add to your arsenal (especially with kids) since they keep very well in an airtight container. Don't forget your drinks! I always

have my emotional support water bottle, but you can also put any kind of drink

that you want in your bin, and then you're set. I also like to keep rubber bands or clips in my bin so that unfinished items can be sealed well and kept fresh.

Food Box #2

Box #2 will include all the items from box #1 but also add a refrigerated element. This box is to be utilized when you're at low capacity, but can easily get to the refrigerator when you need to be nourished. Once again, there is no microwaving or cooking required, and no cleanup either.

Some ideas for box #2 are:

• Deli meat

• Cheese

• Yogurt

• Fruit trays

• Vegetable trays

• Protein/smoothie drinks

When stocking box #2, just think of items that are always going to be appealing to eat, but that are filling too. The key to making it work (in my opinion) is to not feel like you're missing out, or that what you're eating is not nourishing.

Food Box #3

The third box is meant for when you're at low capacity but you're starting to feel more energy or have extra time resources. This box employs everything from boxes 1 and 2, if you want, but also adds microwaveable items.

Some ideas for box #3 are:

• Microwaveable pancakes and waffles

• Microwaveable oatmeal

• Microwaveable muffins

• Microwaveable cakes

• Frozen individual meals

• Popcorn

• Steamable vegetables

• Frozen fruit

I am very big into Amy's frozen meals because there are several of them that I can eat no matter how I'm feeling. I also like steamable vegetables because I don't have to get another bowl dirty. I steam the vegetables, add butter and seasonings, stir it all up, and serve straight from the bag. This method does a lot to help us get extra

servings of vegetables during a time when I don't have the capacity to rinse, chop, and do all the other work involved in eating fresh produce.

These tips really help me keep myself and my family eating when I

am struggling, and I hope that they help you too. If you have tips or tricks that you use to keep everybody fed that can help this community, please include them in the comments below!