Advice

brattyworm

So this morning I was on a different forum and saw some posts that made me think and since I didn't see any suggestions I thought I would run this by the people here and see what came out of it.

So the post stated that prior to the spouse going TDY, deploying, remote tour....etc..... basically leaving for a period of time, the wife was good and acted like a responsible adult, woke up on time and good worked out etc. But as soon as the spouse left then it was "college behavior", like not wanting to wake up, eating fast food, or quickly prepared meals and not working out, absolutely nothing healthy.

So how would some of you handle this?

Thats the situation I'm in now. The husband has left for a year long remote tour. Since he's been gone I've packed on a few pounds. Its really hard to cook just for yourself. And some days it doesn't seem to matter if you work out or clean house or do anything because there's no one there to see it. I've not said anything before now because I thought it was just me. And that maybe I was just being lazy or something. I don't really think that's the case, but no idea. So I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

BamBam1113

I like to live by this "Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is there to see you."

BrodiesMom2008

Cooking for 1 is definitely a bit tricky, as it is so much easier to grab something on the go than work hard at a meal that you are going to either eat for 5 days straight or throw most of it away. BUT there are solutions...like I keep hardboiled eggs in the fridge at all times so if i want a snack or an easy quick thing i can grab that instead of a chocolate bar or something. Also cutting recipes down in half (or less) is a good idea, making small portions of rice/stir fry is easy and pretty quick. Oatmeal in the morning is super quick easy and good for you, or eggs, or cereal and all are easy to make for 1.

It's really easy to get off track when you are used to having someone else around all the time and having a certain routine, then all of the sudden it's just you! You have to make exercising and healthy eating a part of the new routine! It's not just good for you but you will feel better and have more energy! Plus you want to look great for your partner when he gets back from his tour (even though I know he won't care what you look like, he'll just be so happy to see you again)

fcrisswell

Opposite problem here...

Helps that I am a bit OCD when it comes to the house. Short of the occassional dusting/windexing and weekly bathroom cleaning. The rest stays caught up regardless. I make sure dishes are done every night/every morning before work. The house is always tidey. Not bragging....like I said...slight OCD here. Makes me crazy and cranky as hell if something is not in its place.

That being said. When the SO is around I spend more time cooking/cleaning up, etc. - doing other things besdes taking care of myself (i.e. exercising). When he is gone I look forward to the time I have to myself after the kids are in bed and I can work out, eat what I want/need to. He is not dieting, I am. So he may want mac and cheese for dinner, where as I won't touch the stuff.

Now, my SO is not gone for extended peirods of time like a military SO would be. A night or two at a time or long work hours where he does not get home till 10. So the extended periods could have a different effect on me. But, I am one that likes my own space anyway.

brattyworm

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll try the hard boiled egg thing. I dont typically do candy bars.. don't care for milk chocolate or most of then anyway. Its usually I dont want to cook and dominos is sooo easy to order lol.

I do understand the OCD thing. I to am slightly OCD despite the way it sounded. I left out the rest of what my day consists of, I'm an engineer student and intern, no kids, 3 pets. So its not that I'm not doing anything. Its just i think the motivation isn't as high cause he's not there.

I do appreciate all the thoughts.