read this if you are too depressed to cook
Sometimes I can feel the depression coming.
It’s happened enough times that I have created some hacks for myself. These ideas may or may not work for you, but I’d thought I’d share since I have this conversation with clients at least once a week. I’m just here to help normalize how depression’s grip can interfere with even our most minimal survival needs. Some of these ideas require petty cash, a microwave, friends/family, and other things I do not want to assume everyone has access to at all times.
ordering from Postmates, Doordash, or one of those food delivery services. Expensive AF, but if it’s one of those days my head can barely lift off the pillow, I’ll splurge. I have book-marked several restaurants around the city that have foods that I can be certain will not add to my depressive mood. I suggest having a few meals saved in your queue that feel nourishing, and don’t leave you with a hefty food hangover. That’s just instant bad mood the next day, for me.
Whole Foods prepared food section has been a resource for me when I can anticipate a hard week ahead. I’ll go to WF and stock up on some pre-cooked protiens and veggies. The salad bar and the hot bar are also good options to box up and keep at home for easy access.
Toddler food. Yes, that’s what I call it. You ever see a little kid with their plain pasta, cheerios, carrots, and apple slices? Thats me on the days I know I won’t make the time for myself to take breaks and prepare real food. Pre-portioned yogurt, hard boiled eggs, nuts, and seeds are great. If you are too depressed to cut your own apple, you can even get your fruit and veggies pre-cut too. Trader Joes is a toddlers’ snacking haven.
Smoothies are great when you have the just enough energy to drop a bunch of frozen fruit/veg and some nut milk in a blender with ice. Easy enough.
Visit a friend, family member, neighbor, etc. It’s okay to tell them you just can’t do it today. I bet they will care for you and maybe even send you home with something extra for tomorrow.
Prepared meal subscriptions from Thistle, Freshly, Factor, Cupboard, and other private chef services are actually pretty cost effective, especially if you live alone and end up throwing out rotten food that you forgot to cook/eat because you just couldnt’ even. Do a search online, there are hundreds of them now.
Recruit a professional nutritionist that just tells you what to eat, and then eat it. Sometimes it’s the just the decisions that are paralyzing. Some are even covered by insurance. I know if you are a Kaiser member, you can participate in some online nutrition classes, and I believe you can see a nutritionist there as part of your preventive care package.