As we get older, it seems our appetite isn't what it was during our productive years. Also the effort to prepare meals, and especially if you are living alone, becomes more tedious and we build up mental blocks to the exertion required to prepare that meal. The first step to simple, easy to prepare meals is your grocery list. Also fresh, canned, and frozen vegetables and fresh, dried, canned, and frozen fruit. For flavoring, salsa and prepared tomato sauce should always be on hand as well as olive oil.
Individual tastes vary.
For the sake of good health all fat loaded foods should be avoided, no matter how good that chocolate cake looks or your favorite ice cream sounds. As you run out of staples, note them on the list. For faster shopping, organize the list in the order of the aisles of your supermarket. Another healthy habit to form is to learn to read the food labels before you purchase grocery items. Most packaged foods contain a nutrition facts panel.