When a pal goes via a loss, you need to do something you possibly can to make them really feel even only a tiny bit higher—however it may be troublesome to know precisely what they want. The whole lot from fundamental grooming to remembering to eat might be that rather more troublesome, which is why stepping in to take a number of the little duties off their plate is an effective place to start out.

You might not have the ability to brush their enamel for them—although you most likely would for those who might—however you may make certain they don’t want to fret about feeding themselves or their household. And loading up their fridge and freezer with ready-to-go meals is a good way to do it. Not solely will it give them one much less factor to consider, it’ll additionally guarantee they’ve acquired one thing tasty and simple to show to, even when they’re scuffling with the diminished or non-existent urge for food that’s a standard a part of the grieving course of, Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, of Avenue Good Vitamin, tells SELF.

Casseroles are at all times a protected guess, however they’re not the one type of dish that holds up properly to this process. It’s also possible to flip to every part from soups to stews and even elements of a meal which are notably expensive or time-consuming—huge batches of cooked proteins like pulled pork and hen meatballs, for instance. Sticking to a ballpark of issues they’re conversant in might be useful, since not solely can this be additional comforting, however it may also be physiologically soothing, too. Generally your GI system might be all out of whack throughout grief, so something that may compound that (like tremendous spicy meals or unfamiliar seasonings) may find yourself making you are feeling worse, Harbstreet says. Equally, label every dish with any allergens it comprises so it’s not in your pal to inquire, she says.

The most effective dishes transport simply, reheat properly, are filled with soothing flavors and textures, and supply a bunch of servings to your pal in want. Listed below are 17 recipe concepts that put that each one into observe—they’re the epitome of consolation, and can aid you present your assist to a grieving pal when phrases simply aren’t sufficient.