I’ve never been a foodie but it didn’t stop me enjoying the foods I do like; I’ve historically been an ok cook, especially if it came in a pre done packet . Pre stroke I could get my way around a kitchen and make a half decent meal

I used to cook a mean Sunday roast, I had a good handle on joints of meat: pork and beef being my favourite to cook and eat, being a true Yorkshire man I had nailed Yorkshire puddings, they weren’t the prettiest but I could do them.

Even with some adapted cooking devices recommended by my OT, cooking and preparing food isn’t quite the same post stroke, it frustrates me.

The other big thing with food: eating out, I love and always have loved eating out.

I’m now incredibly wary of it though. I can’t use a knife and fork which is plain embarrassing, I’m wary of people noticing and thinking: I’ve either got no manners or am being lazy. if someone helps me (say Rich cutting a meal up) it’s embarrassing and infantilising. Instead I scour menus for finger foods, small plates and things that won’t need cutting, which is hugely limiting. Especially when what I really want is a big old steak.

Even if I stick with hand held foods it’s still not easy; have you tried eating a burger without both hands? It’s not happening.

Chicken wings are one of my all time favourite foods, but are an absolute ordeal to try with one hand, I persevere because I want them.

I’ve grown to resent meal times as they present stress and frustration rather than relaxation and enjoyment.

I eat less than I used to and what I do eat I can’t alway enjoy; fruit is pretty much a no-go aside from prepared fruit bags. it’s sad.

I’m aware I’ve had a few deep and darker blog posts recently, I’m hoping to have a much more positive one in a few weeks.