This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. See Affiliate Disclosure.
Disclaimer: This advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please visit your doctor or health care provider with any questions you have about your health.
Hi everyone! I want to start posting recipes that are easy to make for those with chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalitis (CFS/ME), like me and to start Ive compiled a few chronic fatigue kitchen tips. Ive seen so many people coming down with long covid symptoms that include chronic fatigue, so I hope my posts are helpful to those people as well. Please note that CFS/ME is so much more than just overwhelming fatigue and you can read about those symptoms here.
I noticed when searching for easy recipes for chronic fatigue that my search results were lacking. There are plenty of lazy recipes out there. I want to reframe those recipes from a chronic illness viewpoint. Youre not lazy, youre sick. I dont care what anyone has told you, you are not lazy. Rest is important, rest is healthy. I know what its like to have limited spoons, you dont need to waste them explaining your illness to anyone.
Alright, now that Im done with my spiel, lets get to my chronic fatigue kitchen tips.
Meal Plan
The first thing youre going to need is a meal plan. It really saves spoons to prepare your grocery list and meals ahead of time. Ive used Walmarts grocery delivery service for the past year or so and it has been invaluable to me. You can stock up on what you need and plan recipes that utilize the same ingredients so nothing goes to waste.
Canned Fruits and Veggies
Ive switched from buying fresh fruit and veggies to canned and frozen ones because they last longer and I wont forget about them before they go bad. Canned and frozen fruits and veggies are on par nutrition wise with fresh fruit and veggies. My mom buys fresh produce every week so I will snack on that and sometimes I buy pre-cut fruits like watermelon and pineapple because they are tasty.
Storage
If you dont use a whole can of fruit or vegetables, youll need a way to store them. Ive bought plastic containers that are great for the fridge, freezer, and microwave. Theyre also dishwasher safe. Different sized containers are also good for dividing up recipes (and leftovers!) into single serve portions. Meal prep containers make for easy storage as well.
Helpful Tools
I cant stand kitchen tools touted as lazy when they are super helpful and important for those of us who are disabled or chronically ill. From jar openers to banana slicers, so called lazy tools can help you maintain your independence in the kitchen. What tools are your favorite?
I hope you enjoyed my chronic fatigue kitchen tips. Be sure to stick around or subscribe for upcoming recipes. Please let me know if you have any questions or topics youd like me to address in future posts, too!
