Welcome to Nutrition on the Fly with Mazie!

Hello, Friend! Each edition is packed with something fresh and exciting—whether it’s a quick and delicious recipe, a fun freebie, an exclusive discount, or a new insight to brighten your day. Nutrition on the fly means keeping things simple, saving you time, and helping you stay on track. I know your time is valuable, so stay tuned for what’s coming next—you won’t want to miss it!

The start of spring often marks major life milestones—graduation time is almost here, weddings, and other joyous occasions. However, life’s transitions don’t always come with celebrations. Unexpected shifts such as career changes, retirement, divorce, the loss of a loved one, or the birth of a child can bring emotional and physical challenges that disrupt daily routines, including nutrition.

As someone who has recently navigated the challenges of yet another cancer related surgery, a Mom entering hospice, balancing self-employment and raising two very busy teens, I’ve experienced firsthand how significant life changes impact eating habits.

I’ve swung between losing my appetite entirely during high-stress moments to relying on food for comfort, sometimes indulging in calorie-dense options. Through these experiences, I’ve learned a few key strategies that can help maintain nutrition and self-care during life’s unpredictable transitions.

1. Establish Small, Achievable Daily Goals

During overwhelming times, even the simplest tasks can feel insurmountable. Setting a few manageable, non-negotiable habits each day can create stability and provide a sense of control.

For me, these included:

• Taking at least one 15-minute walk
• 2. Including a palm-sized portion of protein with meals
• 3. Eating breakfast
• 4. Consuming at least one serving of vegetables
• 5. Beginning my nighttime routine by 10 p.m.

Rather than aiming for perfection—like tracking every meal or sticking to an intense workout schedule—focusing on small, attainable actions can be more beneficial during high-stress periods. It’s okay to temporarily adjust expectations and put previous habits on hold while adapting to a new reality.

2. Remember That Eating Is Essential

During intense stress, appetite can fluctuate. At my lowest point, I lost interest in food for nearly a month, and when I finally did eat, I craved fast food—something I typically don’t consume. However, in those moments, eating anything was better than eating nothing.

Even if your diet isn’t as nutrient-dense as you’d like, it’s important to prioritize getting enough calories and energy to function. Over time, stress levels and appetite often stabilize, allowing for the gradual reintroduction of more balanced, nutrient-rich meals. Until then, recognize that eating—no matter what it is—is a crucial act of self-care.

3. Adjust Priorities to Match Your Current Capacity

Before these life changes, I followed structured wellness habits—tracking meals, exercising for 30 daily, and eating multiple servings of fruits and vegetables. However, when life shifted, those routines no longer felt manageable. Instead of forcing myself to maintain them, I adjusted my priorities:

• Swapping long workouts for daily walks
• Aiming for at least one serving of vegetables instead of multiple
• Letting go of meal tracking and simply focusing on eating when I could
• Shifting my energy to mental health by seeking support from the hospice team and the A-Team for cancer support at Mass General Hospital.
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Your wellness habits don’t have to disappear—they can adapt. Major life transitions often require temporary adjustments, and once stability returns, those familiar routines can be gradually reintroduced.

Whether you’re celebrating or grieving, allow yourself the space to navigate life’s changes. Your progress isn’t lost—it’s simply being redirected. Trust that in time, you’ll find your rhythm again, and brighter days are ahead.

Wishing you health & happiness,

Mazie

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