Smart Shopping and Meal Prep Tips for Savvy Seniors
Making healthier choices becomes much easier with a few simple habits. Here are two practical tips to help you navigate the grocery store and your kitchen with confidence.
1. Become a Label Detective
The front of the package is advertising, but the back is information. Make a habit of looking at two things: the Nutrition Facts panel and the ingredients list. On the panel, check for “Added Sugars” and “Sodium.” Aim for products with low amounts of both. On the ingredients list, remember that ingredients are listed by weight. If sugar (or one of its many other names) is one of the first few ingredients, it’s a major component of that food. A shorter, more recognizable ingredient list is almost always a better sign.
2. Cook Once, Eat for Days
Cooking every single meal from scratch can be tiring. A great strategy is to cook in batches. When you’re making a healthy soup, a pot of oatmeal, or roasting vegetables, make extra! Store the leftovers in single-serving containers in the refrigerator or freezer. This ensures you always have a healthy, home-cooked meal ready to go, making it much less tempting to reach for a convenient but less-healthy packaged option.
For science-based nutrition information, refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture at Nutrition.gov and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The National Institute on Aging also has excellent resources on healthy eating for seniors.
