Trying to consistently eat a healthy and nutritious diet can feel overwhelming when you have MS. Fatigue, cognitive challenges, and symptoms such as tremors and heat sensitivity can make each stage of meal prep difficult.
The challenges of shopping and preparing meals could potentially lead to relying more on processed foods or takeout, which — depending on what you order — may be higher in calories, sodium, and fat, and lower in nutritional value, than what you’d make at home.
Keeping certain foods and ingredients on hand — ones that you can reach for without too much effort — can help you get your fill of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and whole grains. For protein, try hardboiled eggs, hummus, Greek yogurt, nuts and nut butters, tinned salmon, and canned beans. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is an easy way to get lean protein — eat it as is or shred it onto salads. There are whole grains, such as brown rice and quinoa, that will keep well in your cupboard or pantry.
Buy prewashed, packaged leafy greens, like spinach, as an easy salad base. You can toss precut fruits and veggies into a salad or eat them as a snack. Fresh berries are packed with anti-inflammatory antioxidants, as are frozen berries, which keep longer. Stir them into yogurt or oatmeal (a whole grain).
When preparing meals, it might help to think of dishes that can be made in large portions and reheated — like soups and stews you could make in a big batch and freeze for later. If heat is a concern when cooking, using a slow cooker is a helpful option.
Talk to your physician and a registered dietitian when formulating a dietary plan. They’ll base a regimen on your symptoms and your type of MS.
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