From “I Don’t Feel Like Cooking” to “I’ve Got This” (Episode 19)

Show Notes — From “I Don’t Feel Like Cooking” to “I’ve Got This”

Two girlfriends around the table (Vickie + Cindy) get real about what cooking feels like after loss—when you don’t have the energy, the appetite, or the motivation—and how to gently shift your mindset, simplify meals, and feed your body well again.

Episode Highlights

1. The widowhood cooking slump is real: “I didn’t feel like cooking… things didn’t taste good… I had no inspiration.”
2. Mindset reset: calling a “stop” to the negative spiral and choosing a more positive, Godly way of thinking (including gratitude).
3. The surprising pros of cooking for one: cook what you want, when you want, spend less, waste less.
4. “Better food for less”: buying a steak occasionally can stretch into multiple meals and still beat fast-food cost.
5. Simple tools that make cooking doable again: air fryer, small crockpot, George Foreman grill—perfect for one-person portions.
6. Nutrition + strength as we age: staying mindful of protein and overall nourishment.
7. Hydration matters (especially in MO): electrolytes, mineral support, and practical ideas like watermelon.

Practical Tips Shared in the Conversation

Easy proteins to keep on hand

1. Canned tuna, canned salmon, canned chicken; plus cottage cheese and other simple proteins.

Low-effort meals that still feel good

1. Air-fryer zucchini + squash with olive oil + seasoning.
2. Air-fryer sweet potato “chips” with olive oil + seasoning.
3. Egg salad on lettuce with pumpkin seeds on top.
4. Bake a small batch of muffins (and freeze extras) instead of making big cakes.

Simple “grab it and go” fruit idea

1. Cut fruit + a little honey + lemon juice; add plain Greek yogurt + nuts for extra protein.

Recipe Mentioned: Peanut Butter Cookies (Simple + Satisfying)

A quick cookie idea shared “girlfriends around the table” style:

1. Peanut butter + sweetener (they discuss brown sugar and allulose) + a little salt
2. Optional egg
3. Roll into balls, flatten with a fork on parchment paper
4. Bake at 350°F about 7–12 minutes (they mention ~10 minutes as a common target), then cool before removing.

Resources Mentioned (for Inspiration)

1. Mary’s Nest (traditional cooking / whole foods inspiration)
2. Biblical Nutritionist (foods referenced in the Bible + wellness focus)
3. They also mention Jordan Rubin + Dr. Axe and a book they refer to as the “Biblio/Bible diet” (noted as September 2025 in the conversation).

Friendly Disclaimer (as stated in the episode)

They share personal experience and conversation—not medical, nutrition, or grief-counseling advice.

Call to Action

Have a “cooking for one” win, shortcut, or simple recipe that helped you? Send it in—Vickie and Cindy invite your comments and ideas.