At some stage in life, cooking over a stove ceases to be a warm, happy family ritual and becomes a real chore. For reasons of aging, many foods that we would expect to be simple to prepare, like chopping onions, opening that big glass jar, or even slicing through a tender piece of steak, seem like hard work. Coupled with this are the effects of aging on appetite and joint stiffness; dinner can seem like too much hard work too. Meal preparation of all kinds need not be a production to rival Mount Everest. From a simple home cooked meal to an aged care meal delivery service, there are various simple techniques that can be used to take your table back to a place of comfort, independence and real joy.
Smart Kitchen Gear That Saves the Day
The right devices can make a real difference if fingers are stiff or hands tremble at the dinner table.
Weighted spoons and forks will keep your shakes still right now. Angled handles remove strain from sensitive wrists. Placed a silicone mat beneath your plate to prevent sliding, and attach a plate guard so the food won't run away while you take up that first bite. Once in the kitchen, electric choppers and automatic jar openers do the heavy lifting. If you're unsure of what the right position is for you, inquire an occupational therapist, and they will find you an appropriate placement.
Soft Foods That Still Pack Flavour
Who would want to consume the same boring mush every single day?
Should you find yourself experiencing problems with your teeth and jaws, recall the dependable fork test; if the food can be easily mashed with a fork, then it is tender enough for you to chew on safely. This doesn't mean you will need to give up your favourite foods. Long and slow cooking of beef or chicken until it is tender ensures you have tender meat, and a little gravy or stock stops it from drying out. Soft-boiled eggs, Greek yoghurt fish, and mashed pumpkin are delicious options. Quick tip – should you choke or cough while eating, then it may indicate swallowing difficulties that require intervention from a speech pathologist.
Grazing, Small Plates, and Big Flavours
It's an obstacle to be faced when you're not even hungry, facing down a huge plate of food.
Eat five or six small snacks or mini-meals during the day rather than three big, heavy meals. Place some snacks on a small dish so the food does not seem so daunting. Our taste buds become less sensitive with time but instead of adding rich salt to everything, boost your cooking with herbs, spices or a little lemon juice. When you really can't be bothered to cook, finding the right meal delivery service on hand means you can still receive a wonderful, balanced meal, delivered to your home.
Fuelling Your Body with the Good Stuff
Maintaining strength and activity into old age depends on having high enough protein intakes. Most elderly people need at least 1.0 to 1.2 g of protein per kg of body weight per day to preserve muscle mass and ward off frailty.
Another way to add 2g or 3g of protein, without adding bulk, is by stirring milk powder into the soup or cottage cheese into the saucier foods. Don't forget about the important vitamins as well. As we age, our ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases, and our production of vitamin D decreases. Pop to the GP and see if supplements or foods fortified with them would be beneficial. Don't forget fluids! 1.5 litres of water, tea, or milk a day is perfect. Tip: Drink your fluids between meals, not immediately before eating so that they don't fill up your stomach.
Easy Batch Cooking for Stress-Free Days
Even the hardest-working cook can use a little forward planning. When making any kind of casserole, soup or stew, make twice the amount and freeze single portions, with labels on in airtight food containers. Ready-to-use fresh vegetables or even frozen items from the supermarket will cut down preparation time even more. Be methodical in hygiene to avoid wastage.
Conclusion:
We all look forward to a balanced diet as we go into our older years, but it really is a piece of cake with the best equipment. By using non-slip plates or even having your pre-made meals in Melbourne, you take the hard work out of preparation so you can just sit back and enjoy your food again.
