Erika Foley | Member , Wellness Committee , ARTA

Do you remember when you cooked for your whole family ? Most women — and some men — made breakfasts , lunches , and suppers for more than two people . When your children were young , you made school lunches and adjusted the times for breakfasts and suppers when they participated in team sports . If you were working , it was just something else you did — no questions asked .

As the children grew older , they might have made their own lunches and possibly their own breakfasts , but family suppers were still usually made by Mother . Your mothers did this for you , and you did it for your children . Just because you were working did not make this chore of cooking any less important .

As the children moved out and went on to further education or jobs , cooking for the family changed . Whether a gradual or sudden change , cooking for two takes some getting used to — buying less and cooking less . At first you might freeze a lot or eat leftovers for a few days . After a while though , you get used to cooking for just you and your partner .

You might also have to deal with medical issues , so again , cooking can change — not just less but different kinds of food . Some food might be eliminated or cooked less often . Certain seasonings , such as salt and hotter spices , need to be used with discretion for some health conditions , like high blood pressure . Whole grains , beans , and nuts are healthy options to lower cholesterol . The clarion call is for more fruits and vegetables , no matter your diet . Red meats can be replaced with poultry ; fish and seafood can be a regular habit .

Speaking of habits , it may help to establish a regular routine — fish on Friday or meatless Mondays . Recipes abound so variety is still possible , but one decision is made .

As we remember to maintain an active lifestyle , our cooking changes as well .

We try to eat healthier , so we cook less fatty foods . Instead of eating so much , we eat less and thus cook less . On the other hand , we may have to cook two different meals at a mealtime if one partner doesn ’ t eat the same foods as the other .

I like my old cookbooks and adjust the recipes to cook smaller and fewer servings .

Many recipe websites and cooking blogs specialize in cooking for two , from easy dinners for beginners to dinners that leave no leftovers . A quick online search for “ cooking for two seniors ” displays a row of cookbooks with title variations on Cooking for Two ... Check online ; check your library , until you find the right fit .

My transition to cooking for two was gradual as the kids left home and retirement arrived . I spend much less time in the kitchen when cooking for two — or one ( if my husband ’ s away ). You might enjoy spending more time in the kitchen without the time constraints of a full-time job . I hope your transition to cooking for one or two is smooth and problem free . Either way , eat healthily , stay safe , and take care .

Erika Foley is the president of the Wainwright Retired Teachers ' Association and is also on the ARTA Wellness Committee . She enjoys reading and writing and being a long-term ARTA member .

news & views WINTER 2023 | 15