Lunchables, But Make it Fashion
2019 has been, for me, a year of trying different drugs to treat my autoimmune arthritis and all of them having some sort of negative effect. I became anemic, exhausted, and with two medication even had an allergic reaction. Currently I’m dealing with exhaustion plus brain fog, which for me is one of the worst parts of chronic illness. It’s truly horrifying to realize that your mind is so foggy that you can’t follow the plot of a soapy teen drama. Another thing that gets tricky when your whole body is going rogue? Eating.
Yer a Lunchable, Harry
It’s important to have a stockpile of chronic illness-friendly foods. Just because you’re sick doesn’t mean your body stops needing fuel, and it may even be MORE important for you to maintain some sort of nutrition schedule. I really like these Chicken Melts from Costco, although they have every hallmark of a Depression Food. They don’t look great, they don’t smell great, and they just taste ok. But they’re ready in seconds and provide you with some protein, some carbs, and an opportunity to forget about meals for awhile. Chicken Melts are, however, decidedly unglamorous. What if you’re looking for a super easy food, that’s also dressed up a bit? Let me introduce you to what I call Adult Lunchables.
On the left, the adult section. The right, the kids’ stuff. The secret? They’re the same.
There is a whole refrigerator case in Target filled with small packaged foods with names like “Charcuterie Plate” and “Protein Pack,” but they are just Lunchables. You know what’s in the case directly next to these pre-packaged meat and cheese plates? Literal Lunchables. But while an alleged adult might scoff at the idea of stocking their fridge with Lunchables, a protein pack makes you seem healthy, busy, and cool. My personal fave is P3, which is labeled as Portable Protein Pack, but according to their website I assume it also stands for Protein Protein Protein. Honestly, in terms of product names you aren’t ever going to beat Lunchables. These triple protein packs come with a meat, a cheese, and some nuts (there are also vegetarian versions that are more nut-heavy). I have been keeping my fridge stocked with the ham, cheddar, and almonds pack as well as the turkey, cheddar, and dark chocolate nut clusters pack. In the same refrigerator case (at least at my Target) they also have Target brand “charcuterie” snacks, as well as a few other brands, so if you want less “PROTEIN!” and more cheese and crackers, there’s a version for you. Also, the actual Lunchables are right there, in case you’re feeling nostalgic.
I want you to keep yourself fortified, even when you’re feeling sick and/or depressed. And if you know of any Depression Foods I should keep on hand, please let me know. Someday I’ll be awake and alert and ready to boil water or whatever, but for now, I’m living that Lunchable Life.
