Breakup Bites Healthy Eating Habits Through Heatbreak
The path to a mended heart isn’t paved with pepperoni pizza. As with many emotionally challenging life events, divorce can lead a person to develop undesirable dietary habits — sometimes without them fully realizing it. Whether you’re packing on pounds or seeing the digits on your scale drastically drop, here are two tips for healthy eating when divorce dampens your appetite or prompts you to reach for the doughnuts. WEIGHT LOSS ISN’T ALWAYS WELCOME. Slimming down is a goal for millions of Americans, but reducing your waistline should never come from a lack of eating. Ongoing stress, depression, and anxiety can wreak havoc on your appetite. When dealing with the emotions associated with divorce, you may lose your desire to eat or even forget to do it altogether. There are healthy ways to lose weight, but malnourishing your body when
your mind is in a negative space isn’t one of them. The effects of this lifestyle — including fatigue, muscle loss, irritability, and cognitive decline — are likely to compound your mental state and make you feel even worse. If you feel yourself slipping off your typical meal schedule, set reminders to eat nutrient-rich meals throughout the day — even if eating is the last thing you want to do. Before long, your body will regulate itself, your appetite will return, and your mood will likely improve. BINGING ISN’T BENEFICIAL, EITHER. Of course, poor dieting during divorce can go the other way. If you’ve become accustomed to dialing Domino’s for a robust midnight snack, your craving for comfort food isn’t doing your mind and body any favors. When stress puts your appetite into overdrive, opt for foods that promote ongoing health, including high-protein sources (such as fish, chicken, beans, tofu, etc.) or snacks full of
antioxidants (spinach, blueberries, nuts, etc.). Most importantly, make sure you’re drinking enough water; even mild dehydration can make you feel fatigued and trigger depressive feelings. Generally, consuming the equivalent of eight glasses daily is a good rule to follow. Naturally, this article is meant as a guide — it’s always best to consult with your physician to determine the best diet plan for you. No matter what works best for your particular situation, what’s most important is that you chart a course for better health despite the mental slumps that may lie ahead.
TAKE A BREAK
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
Ingredients Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic
Meat • 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
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