We sassy seniors look for fun everywhere we go. In fact, if we can’t inject fun and humor in our everyday lives, we lose pieces of ourselves. We raised our kids, worked at our careers. In short, we earned a fun retirement. But as we seniors enjoy the golden years, keeping fit is just as important as having fun. One way to do that is seniors cooking our way to better health.

Admittedly, baking goodies and cooking high calorie meals charms the taste buds. However, that type of eating does nothing to positively impact our health. Cooking all 3 meals at home using fresh foods and substituting healthier alternatives for sugar could result in better health and longer lives.

Eating Out Increases Chances of Consuming too Many Carbs

Jim and I dined at our favorite seafood restaurant tonight. I went in with good intentions intending to order fresh fish grilled and served with equally fresh vegetables as any smart senior would do. Really, I did!

The specials of the day included fried shrimp, a favorite my entire life! Yeah, I caved.  And the shrimp tasted so good! My good intentions went out the window, because I consumed far more calories than I needed or even wanted. Frying adds to the calorie-count as well as the fat grams. Broiled or grilled seafood would have served me better.

Cooking at Home Increases the Odds of Eating More Vegetables

Restaurants offer limited vegetable options. The shrimp I ordered for dinner tonight came with french fries, which I loathe. I asked for corn on the cob or asparagus, both of which were listed as sides. Nope! I was told the shrimp would come with french fries. I could pay extra for the healthier options but I’d still get the fries. Had I prepared dinner at home, I could have chosen any vegetable I wanted and avoided those nasty fries. And once they were on my plate, I admit I ate a few of them. Not a smart senior move!

Fresh vegetables provide benefits for your health.

Greens are Good for Your Heart

According to the Cleveland Clinic,  leafy green vegetables “are so good for you, it’s staggering.” These greens are full of vitamins and fiber, which lowers cholesterol and reduces your risk of heart disease. Anything that lowers our chances of heart problems is good for seniors.

Snacking at Home Offers Vegetable Opportunities

Try finding fresh carrot or celery sticks to snack on away from home. Vending machines and fast food restaurants aren’t likely to sell raw veggies for snacking. At home, you can stock up on fresh carrots, broccoli, celery sticks and other healthy vegetables.

Plan Your Meals

By cooking at home, your meal plan could be set up for weeks at a time. Planning and shopping just for what you need for said meals assures you will eat healthy options.  Eating out in restaurants allows for changes, satisfying last-minute whims, and makes it easy to forget your healthy eating plans.

Pay Attention to Breakfast

You know they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We often eat lunch out in area restaurants and on those days, I tend to skip breakfast. I’d like to think I’m saving on calories but the truth is, I’m likely to eat more lunch that way. It’s time for me to concentrate on cooking healthy breakfasts, eat a light lunch and cook that dinner which will lead me to better health.

Celebrate Meals at Home

To take the boredom out of cooking at home, use some of your dinners as a time to celebrate an event in your lives. Perhaps its something as simple as waking up feeling good that morning or as elaborate as an anniversary or birthday. Whatever the event, dinner prepared by you with love and fresh, healthy ingredients will add to your overall well-being.

Make It Special

Add some candlelight or your best china or whatever addition seems festive and make it special. Sharing your home-cooked meals with family or guests create positive vibes among all of you and strengthen family and friend bonds.

Smart seniors cook more meals at home. Use fresh ingredients where possible and create dinners that invite you to enjoy them. Plan meals ahead and shop for deals at your favorite grocery store.  While you are at it, throw in a little extra exercise and your body will thank you as you improve your health and longevity.