By Laura MacDougall

As we grow older and wiser, it is not uncommon to find ourselves dreading simple things like meal preparation and grocery shopping. For example, dinner may once have focused on feeding a growing family or experimenting with delightful new dishes. Today, as a single person, or just someone who may not have the strength or endurance you once had, it might have become a true challenge. Add specific dietary restrictions and changes in tastes and tolerances, and it is easy to default to takeout or a low-salt turkey sandwich.

Good nutrition is vital at all stages in life. Good taste should be expected. Why eat something if it does not taste great? As an active senior living in your own home, socializing and enjoying retirement, do you really want glorified TV dinners full of salt and lacking true flavor? And eating out too much can get expensive and may wreak havoc on sensitive systems.

Case study: Chef Laura MacDougall, owner of Home Plate Advantage Personal Chef Service in Stoughton, Massachusetts, had a client who needed an option for meal preparation. She was in good mental health and enjoyed great-tasting fresh food, but painful back issues created an obstacle to cooking. She did not want home-delivered meals that were bland and boring. She considered assisted living but realized the $6,000/month price tag was more than she wanted to cope with. She called Home Plate Advantage, and for a lot less money, she had 20 meals that were delicious, fresh, and convenient, helping her to maintain her independent lifestyle.

A personal chef who belongs to the United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA) could be the answer for seniors (or anyone) whose cooking days are behind them. A personal chef can work with you to understand the types of foods you enjoy, while respecting any dietary concerns you may have, such as requirements to avoid or eliminate sodium, spicy food, or lactose. A personal chef will customize dishes for you, prepare them fresh with groceries purchased that morning, and package them in easy-to-heat individual servings to store in your freezer. You can have as many meals as you like, as often as you want them. Your chef will even do all of the cleanup!

The USPCA, located in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, takes great pride in its chefs. Chefs across the United States and Canada are trained in the business of personal cheffing and required to pass ServSafe certification. They work toward earning an extensive personal chef certification that is rechecked on an annual basis. Chefs are encouraged to continue ongoing training, and mentor programs are available. USPCA annual conferences help chefs stay current on new techniques, nutritional information, and good business practices. Membership includes generous liability insurance to protect your home and assets in the event of a kitchen accident—just know that USPCA chefs take every precaution to avoid incidents and have a great track record!

Consider a personal chef the next time you are thinking of dinner options. It is more economical, convenient, and delicious than you may realize. 

Bon appétit!

For Laura MacDougall, owner of Home Plate Advantage Personal Chef Service, it all started the day she could see over the kitchen counters. She would help with the cooking after a weekend picking local produce or during dinner parties and holidays, and she even made "experimental" dishes for her younger sister.

In July 2008, she headed to Decatur, Georgia, for personal chef training through the Culinary Business Academy and found her niche! Her passion for preparing great food has been rekindled, her joy in feeding others has been focused into a life path, and she has gained the confidence to pursue a dream. Laura is a member of the United States Personal Chef Association.

Published March 15, 2010