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Ministries Unlimited Thought For The Week (#4)

March 21, 2025

The past few weeks were about food waste in this country and how we can do small adjustments to our weekly routines to help eliminate some of that waste.  This week let's look at fast food, restaurants, and good old fashioned home cooking.  When we were growing up, eating at a restaurant or even getting McDonald's for dinner was a rare treat.  Compared to when I was growing up, families today tend to eat on the go due to their hectic lifestyles.  Why?  The latest study shows that 59% - 65% of households with children under 18 have both parents working.  The percentage varies based on the children's ages.  The older our kids get the more likely they are to be involved in extracurricular activities.  Even weekends tend to be filled with running the kids hither and yon.  This leaves less time for cooking healthy meals at home.  Our reliance on fast food and restaurants tends to be higher during those years just for time convenience.  How can a family eat healthy then?  Set aside one day during the week to do weekly meal prep.  This will help shorten prep time and even cooking time on those busy days.  This can be a fun family bonding time.  The bonus, your kids learn how to cook healthy meals!  This will serve them well when they strike out on their own.  The Library has several books available through the system on meal prep (The Ultimate Meal Prep Guide For Beginners by Dorothy Hoffman & The Ultimate Meal Prep Cookbook by America's Test Kitchen).  These cookbooks even have quick and easy recipes for lunches you can use on those busy weekends.  Think back to when you were a child.  Remember all the fun you had when friends or family came over to share a meal.  Not only does it make you happier, but it also makes the food taste better!  

In households where both are retired, 60% of them eat out at least once a week and 25% - 30% eat out multiple times.  Why?  For socialization, convenience, or due to physical difficulties.  We used to always make fun of my Dad for going to McDonald's every day when he retired to sit and chat with all of the other "old men".  When you retire, you tend to miss the company of your co-workers, and these coffee meetings help alleviate the loneliness some retirees feel.  Today men and women are part of these coffee gatherings.  It is where you catch up on the local happenings and make some new friends.  If you are eating out, breakfast is the most cost friendly meal of the day.  Seniors can also take advantage of early bird specials and senior discounts, making eating out a more appealing option.  How can we change this for seniors?  Instead of meeting at a restaurant, rotate who hosts a meal.  Then spend the evening or afternoon eating, socializing, and playing games.  Meal prep can be part of the social exchange.  Sharing stories about your day with friends while you prepare, cook, and eat your meal.  Then enjoy some time playing games to help keep your mind sharp.