Old Habits Die Hard

Let’s get the ball rolling with a random search-item-of-the-day:

This must’ve come from that post I did last week about Mexican drug cartels…

Hellooo, beauties! So, uhmmm, we’re more than half way through November … meaning it’s almost December … meaning that not only is it almost winter, but it’s also almost Christmas!!! Whaaaaaaaat?!?! I’m excited, solely because it means I’ll be done with school for this semester. So far things are going pretty well, but the assignments are piling up :S Then, I’ll be faced with four exams in less than a week! Ack. Luckily, then I’m off – simply working – for nearly a month, which is pretty sweet :)

[[ It's never too early to whip out the Christmas-ware...right? ]]

I’ve been hella busy lately. Good news – I finished writing my 20 page paper! Bad news – I still am far from being able to relax :\ I kind of considered that one to be my “last-really-bad-paper-of-the-semester”, so after a few smaller ones, it’s exams or bust. Le sigh. This has resulted in many, many repeated meals and snacks, as I’ve truly never felt lazier than I have this past little while when it comes to preparing meals. I cannot wait to get back into the kitchen! December is going to be delicious!! ;)

[[ I <heart> kitchen sink stews. Seriously - fast, easy, efficient, deliciouso. I believe this one involved lentils, shreaded turkey breast, onions, garlic, corn, peas, edamame, carrot and apple (yes, apple - so good in savoury foods!). Many seasonings and spices were involved as well. ]]

My repetitve menu has gotten me thinking about food-rituals and eating the same foods everyday. I think we all go through phases, food and otherwise, and I don’t think that’s indicative of an eating disorder at all. When it becomes disordered behaviour is when we find it difficult, even impossible, to stray from our habits and rituals. These foods become a safety net and straying from them or trying anything new evokes fear and anxiety.

I find myself going through music phases all the time. In highschool, I was OB-SESSED with No Doubt. Legit. The music, the style, the videos. First year of university was dedicated to Cat Stevens. Oh my gosh – I remember my first ever eBay purchase was Cat Stevens Live in Concert. (Nostalgia kicks in…) I also clearly recall initially getting into the Beatles, and Metric, and so so many random artists and bands and genres

As with all similar phases, I eventually got bored with the music. I would begin to lose interest in the songs, the style, the persona, and  would move on. Later, I’d look back each time I’d hear one of those songs come on the radio and either smile and take it in; remember the days as happy and nostalgic. OR alternately, I’d cringe and think how “overplayed” (on my iPod, haha) that darn song is and how I want it to just go awayy!

I go through similar phases with food, however it’s becoming clear to me which “obsessions” are healthy and which are sparked by ED’s habits. My deep and searing love for butternut squash and sweet potatoes, for example, are out of pure love. I don’t have them all the time, but when I do them, I do them hard. core. Exhibit A:

[[ I've never had homemade lentil soup, but for some reason, I was craving homemade lentil soup this week. I am really proud of this recipe! I shared the pot with my madre, so no salt could be added, but it tasted so flavourful with just the spices - no salt, no broth!! The reason it's so chunky is because my hand blender sucks balls and it wouldn't blend. Basically, this is lentils, shreaded turkey breast, tomatoes, red pepper, garlic, onions with cumin, basil, cayenne pepper, McCormick seasoning, and low-sodium Herbamare. Ultimate. Comfort. ]]

I have other habits, I am beginning to realize, that are perhaps unhealthy habits. Not because the food isn’t nutritious – not at all. In fact, it’s more likely because it’s not not-nutritious. Oatmeal is a big one for me. I literally have it everyday, in one way or another. Be it rolled-oat based muesli, or oat bran, or hot cereal – it’s either in a bowl, with milk and fruit and seeds and spices or it’s not breakfast. Frankly, whenever I have a non-oat-based prebreakfast, it kind of puts me off – sometimes for the whole day.

My evening routine has become increasingly redundant as well. It will usually consist of: a cereal-yoghurt-fruit mess; spinach-banana-protein smoothie; bread with nut butter and sometimes jam as well; dried fruit and nuts; hot chocolate – with minor variations, sometimes. Practically every. day. Partially as a result of being tired/unmotivated with my mind on other things entirely, partially as a result of my ED.

Frankly, I’m pretty sick of it.

Frankly, I’m pretty scared to change it up.

[[ Return of the Quinoa-Veggie bowl!!! I haven't had one of these in agess. Remember when I had them nearly daily?? This was quinoa + lentils with random veggies and spices. Oh, my gosh...I smell another food-fad a-comin ;) ]]

So, I’m asking for your help here: What are your favourite snack foods? What are some fun foods you like that I should try? (No, it doesn’t all have to be healthy!)

I’m literally at the point where I go to the grocery store, pick up my basics, and wander aimlessly, too intimidated to try anything. Help a sistah out!

Hope you all have a lovely start to your week!!