Cooking meals at any stage of life can be difficult and tiring, but for older people, it can be impossible to do it three times a day, every day. Having meals prepared makes the week easier for those needing extra assistance eating consistently and healthily. In this article, we will review the basics of meal preparation and why it is helpful. We will also give you some ideas and inspiration on different meals you can make.
What is Meal Prep?
Meal preparation, or meal prep, is pre-planning and preparing your meals in advance; instead of getting everything ready to go right before you cook, all you need to do is heat the ingredients before eating. The meals can be refrigerated or frozen until eaten, which can be a huge time-saver during the week, and Trinity Support Group Services is here to help.
Meal prep is a great way to control portion size, so the meals aren’t too big or too small for you or your loved ones. It also helps with sticking to healthier eating habits, such as eating regular meals three times a day.
Tips and Tricks
Using versatile ingredients such as rice, pasta, vegetables, fruits, or even pre-packaged snacks are great staples to have in your home when you begin to meal prep. Start with easy recipes that use ingredients you may already have around to get started, then grow your menu as you go.
When going shopping, make a list of everything you will need for the week and stick to it. That way, you will save time and money at the grocery store. Instead of wandering the aisles and grabbing whatever looks good, you will be on a mission to find exactly what you need.
Meal Ideas
Thinking of good meals to prep for the week can be difficult. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about all the different possibilities.
Breakfast
- Overnight Oats: This recipe can be made in many different flavors and ways, such as chocolate chip, strawberry, blueberry, cookie dough, banana, and more. Let your imagination run wild!
- Breakfast Burritos: Breakfast burritos are a delicious and filling way to start your day. You can fill them with eggs, bacon, sausage, Pico de Gallo, potatoes, or whatever your heart desires.
- Muffins: Who doesn’t love muffins? This is another excellent choice for a simple breakfast that can be made in advance. Make a big tray and then refrigerate or freeze whatever you don’t think you will eat right away to keep them fresh for the future.
Lunch
- Taco Bowls: Make your home like a Chipotle and make your favorite burrito bowl at home! Add rice, beans, protein, veggies, and anything else you like to make delicious (and low-cost) meals for your week. Throw them in a few containers and refrigerate or freeze them until you are ready to eat!
- Pasta Salad: Looking for a light lunch that is also delicious? Pasta salad is a great choice that can be customized in many ways.
Dinner
- Stuffed Peppers: This is a healthy and filling choice for dinner. Fill some scooped-out peppers with a protein of your choice, rice, and anything else you choose, and throw them in the freezer or fridge until you are ready to cook!
- Protein and Rice: Choose any rice you like, along with protein such as chicken, steak, or salmon, and top it with a sauce of your choosing! It’s a simple and delicious dinner idea.
Other Resources
While meal prep helps make your week easier, sometimes it can still be a lot and add stress to your life. Luckily, some meal delivery kit services include HelloFresh, Blue Apron, Home Chef, EveryPlate, and many others. These meal kits provide you with all the ingredients needed for the meals, recipes, and delivery right to your door. Some kits also have premade meals that you only need to throw in the microwave or oven.
Food delivery apps are also great resources if making a meal is too much for the day. Groceries can be delivered through Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and even local grocery stores with a delivery option! Apps such as DoorDash or UberEATS are two great options for meal delivery from your favorite restaurants.
How Trinity Support Group Services Can Help
Trinity Support Group Services has been serving older adults and persons with disabilities since 2017. Our caregivers are trained and highly skilled in meal preparation, which will meet any nutritional and dietary needs and ensure that your meals contain the vitamins and minerals needed to stay healthy. In addition to meal preparation, we help with medications, bathing and grooming, toileting, basic dressing, grocery shopping, and laundry for you or your loved ones.
We are at 26400 Lasher Rd in Southfield, Michigan, open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and weekends by appointment only. You can email us or call (313) 505-4151 with questions or schedule an assessment.
