Why do seniors eat out so often? Vintage friends, myself included, admit that they have lost interest in cooking. It’s a shame really, but cooking for one or two isn’t as rewarding as it used to be.
Favorite tv shows and movies would have us believe that family gatherings are the norm, but let’s face it, many seniors eat alone. Not only that, by the time dinner time rolls around, many of us are too tired to care whether we eat or not.
Cooking for one or two is neither fun nor inspiring, although cookbook authors expect us to give it our all. Cook gourmet and set a fine table they say, but how often do you feel like doing that?
Food doesn’t taste the same as it used too. Special diets, fatigue, multiple health issues, lack of exercise, medicines, and the monotony of eating alone have all combined to tamp down the joy. We still know that nutrition is important but what do we do to make therapeutic dining happen?
How about eating what you want, when you want, and where you want? It really is okay to eat breakfast for dinner or leftovers from dinner for breakfast (laugh). If you are a morning person, make breakfast the most important and nutritious meal of the day. If you aren’t, make a point of filling up your crockpot.
You have to eat whether the spirit moves you or not. Try eating out on the deck for a change of scenery or give yourself permission to listen to the radio or watch television. There is no right or wrong way to nourish your body or your soul.
Do whatever it takes to make you slow down and enjoy your dining experience. If you are the least little bit tech savvy bring your phone or laptop to the table and chat with a friend via Facetime while you eat.
Keep snacking to a minimum and take good nutrition as seriously as you do any other part of your wellness routine.
Suggestions welcome. What do you to make solitary dining more pleasurable?
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