Where I live, I can’t call out for delivery, and there are a limited number of places that offer take-out. Moreover, most have limited business hours, and if it’s snowing to beat the band, I don’t want to drive anywhere. Consequently I’ve learned a thing or two about stocking up and being prepared for those days where I have little time and/or am just not up to cooking.
My brother-in-law has a stack of menus in one of his kitchen drawers, and when they don’t want to cook, he makes a call and meals are at the doorstep when he’s ready to eat. So for those of you lucky enough to have such a convenience, below are some take out tips.
Healthy options to consider when ordering out:
• Choose veggie based entrees with a protein that is broiled or baked. Skip the fried options.
• Ask for substitutions on sides such as a salad in place of taters (mashed, fried)
• Order kid size meals if an option and you’re eating alone. Supersize works if you are sharing it with others.
• Drink water, unsweetened tea in place of sodas
Healthy eats from various restaurant chains:
• The 30 Healthiest Foods You Can Eat at Every Major Fast Food Chain
• 6 Best Heart-Healthy Fast Food Orders, According to Dietitians
• These Are Actually The Healthiest Things To Order At Taco Bell, According To Experts
Eat This, Not That has lots of recommendations. Plus they cover various issues, such as what are the best breads that are gluten free.
When ordering out isn’t an option
• If you qualify, sign up for services like Meals on Wheels. Many towns and cities have special food services for seniors and those with chronic issues, such as a disability. Ask about them where you receive your care.
• There are a lot of Meal Delivery Services. Check out Healthline’s 10 Best Meal Delivery Services for Seniors in 2022 They include pre made meals as well as those that provide the ingredients for you to prepare. Also listed are pros and cons, identifying which meals/services aren’t good for those on restricted diets.
• Eating Well has a variety of recipes for quick cooking but truthfully, there are times when even five minutes is too long. When my soon was recovering from a very bad ankle injury, he was only comfortable lying down with his ankle raised and packed in ice. Getting up was very painful and he could barely stand the few minutes it took to make a sandwich. My brother sent him a wonderful care package from California with lots of healthy items that he could keep nearby such as olives, nuts, dried fruit, healthy crackers, nut butters etc.
• Blender Smoothies can be a life saver. It’s definitely one of my go to’s. I’ll pair a healthy smoothie (frozen blueberries, banana, strawberries, yogurt and soy milk) with a whole grain cracker topped with a nut butter. That can work for any meal of the day as far as I’m concerned. Check out 35 Healthy Smoothie Recipes to Make for Breakfast in 2022
• When you have the energy to cook, make large enough quantities that you can freeze in single serving sizes.
• An instant pot is worth the cost. I use it all the time and my “weekend meals,” those recipes that take a while, have become midweek meals. Definitely recommend watching videos and talking to people that have them. There is an adjustment period, particularly as you adopt your own recipes.
• Soups can go down pretty easy so it’s helpful to have some ready, either in the cupboard or freezer. Check out The Best Healthy Canned Soups of 2022, According to a Nutritionist
Take advantage of grocery stores shopping services: Almost every grocery store, and even places like Walmart and Target offer delivery or pick up services thanks to Covid. Make use of them as shopping can be very tiring. When selecting items, order what you know you’ll eat. Some ideas for grocery shopping:
• Seasonal fruits and veggies that require little to no prep. Salad kits work and you can even get pre peeled butternut squash. Baby carrots are ready to eat and are a good size if you have the energy to make a stew.
• Frozen fruits and veggies
• Nuts and seeds. Nuts that aren’t frequently eaten, keep in the freezer. Your daily go to’s keep on the counter
• Nut butters: Have made many a lunch from a cut up apple that I dip in a nut butter.
• Frozen dinners. 20 Frozen Dinner Brands, Ranked From Worst To Best
• Prepared items like humus that can be easily eaten with carrot sticks or other veggies
• Protein bars
• Whole grain breads that can be frozen
• Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, milk etc. A lot of cheeses can be purchased pre sliced, so you can take out a few and seal up for a later date. While it’s cheaper to purchase a large container of yogurt, having serving sizes maybe easier.
• Eggs: You have to boil them, but they make a quick and healthy snack
• Condiments: Everything tastes better with Siracha sauce, according to my sons, while my husband puts low salt soy sauce on any number of things. Condiments can a dish go from boring to yum!
• Rice, pasta
• Individual servings of lean proteins such as fish, chicken
• Canned goods: As noted above, having a stash of soups on hand is very helpful. Check canned fruits carefully as a lot of them come in heavy syrup. Tuna fish can be eaten by itself, tossed with some greens and/or pasta and is a great way to get protein.
• Crackers-Check for fiber content.
If eating and/or preparing food is a challenge, talk to your medical provider. They can refer you to a dietitian and/or may have some ideas that help. How to eat healthy is a great topic for a support group meeting.
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