As we grow older, it may be more difficult to maintain good nutrition in our diets. Many older adults find it difficult to cook for one after having prepared meals for those they live with. They find that they have to make more trips to the grocery store when they are buying food just for themselves. In addition, they now find that they can only cook a reduced range of recipes as many recipes are made for large families or more than one person. They may also find themselves eating the same thing day after day in order to finish the same dish, facing challenges in portion sizing. Don’t resign yourself to unhealthy tv dinners or instant food. Read on for cooking tips when you are 60 and single so that you can continue to enjoy delicious healthy meals!
Plan Your Meals
Planning what you would like to eat for the week helps you in having good nutrition. Knowing the dishes that you would cook allows you to have a general idea of what you are taking into your body. Make sure that you are eating a variety of colored vegetables to get all the important vitamins and minerals. Orange and yellow vegetables like carrots and orange peppers contain antioxidants like alpha and beta-carotene, while red vegetables like tomatoes and red onions contain lycopene, as well as vitamin C and A. Lastly, white fruits and vegetables like parsnip contains flavonoids like quercetin and anthoxanthins, which protect your health.
Create a Shopping List
We often come back from the grocery store only to realize, to our dismay, that we have forgotten to buy a particular item. Avoid this problem by creating a shopping list that helps you to know exactly what you would be buying at the supermarket. This tip works in conjunction with the tip above as you would be prepared and have all ingredients on hand when you wish to cook your favorite dish. While buying food for one can be a challenge as many food items come in large containers or big portions, you can solve this problem by dividing them into smaller portions and freezing them so that they are ready to be used when you want. Go for fresh fruits and vegetables as they come in single servings that are great when you are just cooking for yourself.
Take Advantage of Your Freezer
When you live alone, it can be a chore to cook elaborate meals every single day. Have a day when you have a big cook-off so that you can cook meals in advance. Freeze them so that you have a supply of “instant” meals that are healthy and tailored to your taste at any time. Pasta sauce can easily be cooked and frozen so you just have to boil pasta when you feel like having a pasta night.
Experience Our Sensations Dining
At our independent retirement community, our residents enjoy a full and grand gastronomic experience thanks to our professional food service team. Lead a stress-free lifestyle and leave your nutritional needs in our capable hands!
