Blog

This is the time of year I almost always fall off my meal-time groove.
It always seems that, no matter how carefully I plan, everything comes down to the last few weeks in December.

Below are a few quick options that get me through those days when I just need something easy, no dishes.

First off: Let's de-bunk superstitions about frozen meals. Frozen meals can be REALLY healthy! The trick is the same as with anything else: knowing what's actually in what you're eating.

Below are a few options which I love, which can fit every budget:
$$$ Topset Meals : A local southern Maine chef makes you beautiful food for a surprisingly fair price
$$$ Hannafords Grab-and-Go : There are some really good options in both the cold, and hot bars. In my cart above, I grabbed peel-and-eat shrimp (on sale). Roaster chickens are also a family favorite.
$$ Saffron Road : Responsibly sourced meats and vegetables, Halal certified, sold at most local supermarkets, for less than $4 per meal.
$$ Healthy Choice Power Bowls : Yummy, low-carb, and under $3.50 per bowl. Plus, they come in compostable dishes!
$ Kitchari : For those who have a *little* more time, one of my favorite quick comfort foods is this simple Ayurvedic beans-and-rice dish. I use a $20 one-button rice cooker from Lowe's, which has served me well for over 6 years. One rice cooker-meal will feed about 2 adults, for less than $2, and can be ready in 15 minutes.

And then, of course, there is the pomegranate. There is nothing fast, nor easy about peeling one! But, it's my favorite meditative kids-are-asleep-and-I-need-a-treat activity, and something about methodically going through the steps is deeply soothing. Plus, the reward is incredibly healthy, and satisfying.

Happy Holidays and stay safe out there,
Dr. Annie

There’s this sense of loss I feel, as the leaves depart, and are replaced by blustery, cold days. I yearn for hot tea and a warm blanket, and get lost in wistful moods, remembering years past, far-away people, warm faces.  

Our kids are three boisterous bundles of energy, SO EXCITED for holiday breaks, foods, and trips outdoors every chance we can get! 

It's a season full of opposites. There’s both an urgency (Stack up the wood! Unbox the winter clothes!), and a growing sense of quiet…like there might be a hint of rest coming, a hibernation of sorts. The woods are quiet on my morning walks, I can see the sky through the tree branches. A meditative, brooding, restful time.

I keep returning to this video, taken during one of my early spring walks. Water reminds me of life, and all its opportunity and potential. As we head into the quiet time of the year, I like to remind myself of that sleeping energy. The excitement of spring gives way to the beauty of summer, and the bounty of fall.

Winter is a season of rest, reflection, and renewal. Our human bodies need all of these, and right now, rest most especially. The river is like an energy that runs underneath all of that, the quiet heartbeat of life. I pause in gratitude for being here, being present, and a little prayer of Thanksgiving for the joy of being alive. 

UPDATES:

COVID PCR Testing!
Grace Health is proud to partner with the Maine State HETL Lab in Augusta, to offer rapid-turnaround PCR testing (48-72 hours).  Free to members (plus courier fee to get samples to Augusta), low-cost to non-members through Convenient Care.

Please use the Patient Passport app to connect with me regarding your needs, or call (207) 303-8800.

Testing is also available free from these locations (courier costs covered by the State of Maine)
Portland International Airport
Walgreens Pharmacies

COVID Rapid Antigen Testing:
Grace Health is now able to offer COVID Rapid Antigen Tests!

Tests are most accurate during the first 3-7 days of a symptomatic illness (ie flu-like symptoms, cough, cold, runny nose, body aches, headache, loss of taste/smell, nausea, diarrhea). They cannot be used for screening in asymptomatic patients (ie before or after travel), for travel, PCR testing is recommended.

For more information, email me at drnorman@gracehealthmaine.com or call (207) 303-8800.

In Health,
Dr. Annie

Tune in to CBS News Channel 13 at 5:30pm tonight for updates on the current status of COVID-19 testing delays in Maine.

Grace Health is proud to partner with the State Of Maine to provide low-cost (and often free) same-day or next-day COVID-19 PCR testing for our patients!

Members: Contact us directly to schedule your test drnorman@gracehealthmaine.com, (207) 303-8800
Non-Members: Dr. Norman is offering discounted Telehealth visits and testing through the remainder of 2020

Other COVID-19 Testing options in Maine:
Portland International Airport
Walgreens Pharmacies

Stay safe out there!
In Health,
Dr. Annie