MASTER THE CHALLENGE OF COOKING FOR 2
There’s one part of empty nesting almost no one talks about: After feeding a family for years, how do you rethink your kitchen to cook for two? Classic recipes like pot roast and roast chicken are challenging to cook in two-person portions and will create a metric ton of leftovers. But that doesn’t mean you have to eat from your freezer for weeks or survive on cereal and pizza rolls! Here are three tips to help you cook for two without compromising healthy eating. 1. Meal plan like you’re a young parent again. This will be a familiar tactic for big families. Back in the day, you probably had “Taco Tuesdays” and “Pizza Fridays” to keep your grocery shopping on track and your kids happy. Now, it’s time to develop a new meal plan! Work with your partner or spouse to choose your favorite recurring meals and find new two-person recipes that fit your preferences. If you’re not sure where to start, consider using a digital meal-planning tool. The editors at CNN recently compared the top meal-planning apps and recommend downloading the premium version of Eat This Much ( EatThisMuch.com ). It costs $9 per month, and you can use it from your phone or computer. Once you choose your recipes, it will automatically
create a grocery list and even give you the option to order grocery delivery! 2. Invest in a meal kit service. If you’re exhausted by cooking and don’t want to build a new repertoire, you might want to use meal kits through your golden years. Dozens of companies will deliver ready-made meals or pre-portioned ingredients directly to your door, including Blue Apron, HelloFresh, Sunbasket, Home Chef, Dinnerly, EveryPlate, and Purple Carrot. Read up on each service (they’re all recommended for two!), and choose the best fit for your diet and budget. A meal kit can be a permanent fix or a temporary tactic to find two-person recipes you love. 3. Turn to the experts. For more inspiration and advice, pick up books like “The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook” by America’s Test Kitchen or “One Pan, Two Plates” by Carla Snyder. If all else fails, buy backyard chickens — they’re fantastic at gobbling up leftovers!
THE SEASON OF GIVING The Benefits of Volunteering in Retirement
As we approach Thanksgiving, our hearts naturally turn toward gratitude and generosity. For retirees with newfound time, freedom, and a chance to explore passions, the holiday season presents a fantastic opportunity to give back by volunteering their time and skills to the community. Volunteering not only benefits those in need but also offers many benefits for those who have already entered their golden years — let’s take a look! Volunteering in retirement has many benefits. Maintaining a Sense of Purpose — In addition to making a difference in the lives of others, volunteering provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which is particularly important for those who have recently transitioned out of a career-oriented life. Building Social Connections — Volunteerism offers opportunities for retired individuals to form new friendships, helping combat possible feelings of isolation or loneliness. Boosting Mental and Emotional Wellness — Giving back has been linked to improved mental and emotional health and well-being. It provides feelings of accomplishment and helps to reduce stress.
Sharing Skills and Experiences — Retirees can leverage their years of experience and skills learned throughout their working years to make a meaningful and positive impact on people and organizations in need. Here are some common places that may be in need of volunteers: • Local food drives • Animal shelters • Church/place of worship • Local library • Environmental initiatives • Soup kitchens • Nonprofit organizations • Local or national charities • Local, state, or national parks • Foster grandparent programs • Community gardens • Local schools/ educational programs The holidays are here, so it’s time to focus on thankfulness, selflessness, and giving back. By volunteering your time, you can experience the joy of making a difference and a positive impact in your community. Volunteering costs nothing but time!
2 • CampbellWealth.com
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