Healthy meal prep

Planning ahead for health and ease ensures you always have nutritious food ready — even on low-energy days

- Seniors Today Desk

Looking every day can sometimes feel tiring — especially as we grow older and energy levels vary. Yet, wholesome home-cooked meals remain one of the best ways to stay healthy, active, and independent.

That's where meal prepping, or planning your meals in advance, comes in. It’s a simple, smart habit that saves time, reduces stress, and ensures you always have nutritious food ready — even on low-energy days.

Why meal prepping matters

According to a 2023 study in the Journal of Nutrition and Healthy Ageing, seniors who planned meals ahead were more likely to meet daily nutritional needs and less likely to skip meals. For Indian seniors, where family routines are shifting and eating patterns are changing, meal prepping can be a gentle yet powerful way to stay nourished and independent.

“Planning ahead reduces stress and ensures that your plate remains balanced — with the right mix of grains, proteins, and vegetables,” says Dr. Meena Iyer, a Mumbai-based nutritionist. “It’s particularly helpful for seniors managing diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis.”