Q: How can I eat healthy when I do not enjoy cooking anymore?
A: The food we eat, our overall diet, is very important for our health. It helps keep us healthy, boosts our energy, and even improves our mood. It is important to pay attention and give care to your diet, while also recognizing that this does not have to take much of your time and energy.
It is important to eat a variety of foods from each food group to help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Reduce the amount of sugar and sodium added to your meals and focus on the nutrients you need, ensuring a variety of fruits and vegetables.
With age, you may lose some of your sense of thirst. Drink water often. Low- or fat-free milk, including lactose-free options or fortified soy beverage, and 100% juice can also help you stay hydrated. Limit beverages that have lots of added sugars or salt.
As we age there can be many reasons why we may not prepare the same type of meals we used to. The act of cooking and preparing the food may be too tiring. We may be cooking for only one and not feel it is worth the effort. Sense of smell and taste also change naturally over time. The enjoyment you once felt for eating may have changed because of these physiological changes.
If you enjoy eating in a social environment, try to find social ways to enjoy a meal. Invite friends to join you for dinner and make it a potluck style meal so no one person has to do all the cooking. Consider using one of our County’s many congregate meal sites. These are locations where you can go for a social model lunch program at no cost, only a suggested donation. You can call the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) to find a meal site near you at 805-477-7300.
Make sure that along with your diet you are getting enough fluids. Dehydration can be a very serious issue and lead to bladder infections and confusion in older adults. Consider making a smoothie that combines nutrition and liquids. You can add vegetables, fruit, protein powders and dairy products to ensure you are getting a range of essential nutrients in one drink.
Many grocery stores offer a variety of freshly prepared meals. You can also buy a prepared rotisserie chicken that can provide several meals worth of protein. Look for things that are easy like precut vegetables and prepared salads or soups. It can help to make a meal plan at the beginning of each week to ensure you have the basics. Consider cooking a large meal once a week that you can freeze part of or portion out for several meals.
It can be helpful to consult with a nutritionist or with your physician. They can help you understand what foods are best for your body and your health conditions. Some health plans may offer sessions with a nutritionist and/or even prepared meals if deemed medically necessary.
If you are no longer driving, making grocery shopping and preparing your own meals too difficult, you can sign up for your local Home Delivered Meals program. Call the VCAAA to get the contact for the program in your city at 805-477-7300.
Remember that what we eat and drink is fuel for our body. Value your body and health by ensuring your diet has the right nutrients to help you thrive.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
