Dishing it Up
Staying healthy begins in the kitchen
BY CLAIRE RAMSAY
As many seniors enjoy their empty nests, spending their day in the kitchen cooking for one or two might no longer be a daily goal. The need for reliable — and delicious — nutrition for seniors who might be experiencing reduced mobility, or convalescing after an illness, injury, or surgery is prevalent in a major healthcare hub like Lexington.
While options like meals-on-wheels are available in Lexington, central Kentucky also offers dozens of personal chef options and gourmet carry-away. (Delivery is also available for many services.) These services can also be a lifesaver for busy families who want to make sure the nutritional needs — and the joy of food — are still being preserved for elderly parents, relatives, and friends.
Staying healthy, for many, begins in the kitchen.
Ruthie Oesterman, owner of La Bonne Vie off Winchester Road, was motivated to found her business by the onset of health issues in her family. When her husband, Jon, was diagnosed with cancer for the second time and she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, she began to research Paleo and Primal and was guided to diets that reduce inflammation in the body.
While the family was going through her husband’s cancer treatments, a caring friend helped out by making them a delicious and healthy meal. The Oestermans were inspired by this generosity and she realized she wanted to be in the business of providing a service like that for others. She wanted a model that would support clients going through rough times, or those who simply don’t have the time to properly eat healthy.
Oesterman took on her first client in 2015 and has not looked back since. She relishes helping as many clients as she can and prides herself on being able to deliver without bulk batch cooking. “Everything is 100 percent customized. We take care of our families and offer them support and save them time — honestly, the food is a bonus!”
She says there is no “one size fits all” in the world of cooking. She recommends to keep trying new things so you’re able to find what works for you and your body. “Just because one thing worked for a friend or family member, doesn’t mean you have to stick with it if it’s not working.” She recommends asking for help because when it comes to cooking, there are no failures, just data being collected.”
La Bonne Vie has been the best part of Ruthie’s cooking career. Her favorite part of the job is to enrich others’ lives.
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This article is featured on page 30 of the 2020 Senior Living Lexington Guide.
To advertise in Senior Living Lexington, call 859.361.4169
