If you’re not used to it, it can be difficult to get used to making healthy foods yourself. But there are many adaptations that can make life easier for you in the kitchen. Here are a few. 

Get organised 

Cooking and getting around your kitchen will be a lot easier if you take some time to get it organised. Label containers with tactile markers or braille labels, and group similar items together so you know where to find ingredients. Try and keep kitchen counters free of clutter and put things back in the same place each time so you know exactly where they are. 

Make cooking easier 

Think about what would be helpful for you while preparing food. Brightly coloured, high contrast chopping boards, a talking kitchen scale, and utensils with tactile grips are all small things that can make cooking a lot easier when you’re sight impaired. 

Make it a family affair 

You don’t have to be the only one spending time in the kitchen. Get the rest of the family involved too! It’ll be a great learning experience for them, and you’ll also have the bonus of them being able to help you out when you need it. 

Shop smart 

If you struggle with seeing labels when shopping, don’t be afraid to ask staff or even fellow shoppers for help. You might feel a bit awkward asking, but they’ll be more than happy to help you out and it’ll only take a few minutes.  

Alternatively, try using a smartphone app. If you’ve got an iPhone, try the Seeing AI app which is a ‘talking camera’ that can help you identify things around you. It’s particularly good for products as you can use it to scan barcodes.  

If you’ve got an Android phone, the Google Lookout app is a similar thing. It has a food label mode where you simply point your phone’s camera at a label and the app will tell you what it is.  

There’s also the BeMyEyes app for iOS and BeMyEyes app for android which connects people needing sighted support with volunteers. You’re paired with a volunteer and can ask them what you need over a video call, so for example if you’re not sure if an item in your kitchen cupboard is in date, you can show them the packet and they’ll help you find out. 

It can definitely be challenging to eat well when you’re sight impaired, but there are many ways you can enjoy healthy eating with just a few small adaptations.