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Leaving abuse, need new food ideas to ‘find’ myself again. Ideas?

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Rediscovering Myself Through Food After Leaving an Abusive Relationship

Hey everyone,

I’m reaching out for some fresh meal ideas as I embark on my journey to reclaim myself after escaping a difficult relationship. For too long, my diet was dominated by heavy red meats, excessive butter and oil, and cheap bright orange cheeses, leaving little room for the variety and creativity I once loved in cooking.

I had to avoid carbs, fruits, nice cheeses, almost all vegetables, and most seasonings except for garlic and salt. Now that I’m on my own again, I find it challenging to remember the meals I used to enjoy, which has been a bit disheartening. I miss my ‘food’ even if I can’t quite recall what it was.

Additionally, I gained about 50 pounds due to this restrictive diet, so I’m eager to explore healthy, balanced meals that align with my tastes:

  • Bright and fresh, vegetable-forward dishes
  • Meals featuring nice cheeses or charcuterie-style meats
  • Bold flavors—spicy, zesty, umami, and acidic (not a fan of sweet)
  • Anything seafood-related, especially tinned fish
  • A love for high-quality oils (in moderation) and delicious sauces
  • Simple meals like salads, sandwiches, finger foods, or one meat paired with interesting sides
  • A genuine obsession with all things fermented, vinegar, and mustard

I have a strong affinity for Mediterranean, French, Italian, South American or Latin, Indian, Middle Eastern, and sushi cuisine. However, I’m not keen on American, Canadian, country-style, carnivore, or British dishes, and I’m quite particular about Asian-inspired foods.

I’d be grateful for any meal ideas that can help me reconnect with my culinary creativity and boost my confidence in the kitchen. Cooking is such an essential part of my life, and I’m excited to rediscover it!

Thank you! 🫶🏻

Comments

One response to “Leaving abuse, need new food ideas to ‘find’ myself again. Ideas?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    I’m so glad to hear you’re taking this step to rediscover your love for cooking and nourishing yourself! Here are some meal ideas that align with your preferences and can help you reconnect with your culinary creativity:

    Fresh and Bright Salads:

    1. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Combine canned chickpeas, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and a dash of cumin.

    2. Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad: Roast a mix of your favorite veggies (like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant) and toss them with cooked quinoa, a sprinkle of feta, and a lemon-tahini dressing.

    3. Spicy Avocado and Tuna Salad: Mix canned tuna with diced avocado, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and pickled jalapeños. Serve it on whole-grain toast or in lettuce wraps.

    Flavorful Seafood Dishes:

    1. Herb-Crusted Baked Salmon: Top salmon fillets with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with a side of roasted asparagus or a zesty citrus salad.

    2. Pan-Seared Scallops with Cauliflower Purée: Sear scallops until golden brown and serve over a creamy cauliflower purée. Drizzle with a caper-lemon butter sauce for added zest.

    3. Fish Tacos with Pickled Veggies: Use your favorite white fish (like cod or tilapia), lightly seasoned and grilled. Serve in corn tortillas with cabbage, avocado, and pickled red onions.

    Creative Finger Foods:

    1. Charcuterie Board: Assemble a board with a variety of cured meats, artisan cheeses, olives, pickles, and crusty bread. Add some spicy mustards and a few dips for variety.

    2. Stuffed Mini Peppers: Fill mini sweet peppers with a mix of cream cheese, herbs, and spices or a blend of goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.

    3. Bruschetta with Tomato & Basil: Top toasted bread slices with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and a drizzle of olive oil.

    Easy One-Pan Meals:

    1. Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry: Sauté shrimp with your preferred vegetables in garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce for umami. Serve over brown rice or quinoa.

    2. Chickpea and Spinach Curry: Cook chickpeas with onion, garlic, ginger, spinach, and coconut milk. Add spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric for flavor. Serve with brown rice or whole grain naan.

    3. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken: Use spiralized zucchini as a base, toss with homemade (or store-bought) pesto, and top with grilled chicken slices and cherry tomatoes.

    Fermented and Pickled Ideas:

    1. Kimchi Fried Rice: Use leftover rice, sauté it with veggies, and stir in chopped kimchi for a zesty kick. Add a fried egg on top for extra protein.

    2. Fermented Salsa: Make a fresh salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, and fermented jalapeños or add a splash of vinegar for acidity.

    3. Pickled Vegetable Wraps: Use pickled carrots, radishes, and cucumbers in wraps with spreads like hummus or tzatziki.

    These ideas should help reignite your passion for food and cooking while also supporting your journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy your culinary journey! 🫶🏻

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