We’ve been focusing on senior health and wellbeing in the blog lately with advice on making easy meals and getting the most out of doctor visits. But the best way to ensure the highest level of healthy living for a senior loved one is to focus on the kitchen. A healthy body is not built in the gym — it’s made in the place where all the cooking and eating happens!
For seniors, getting a good meal is all about ease. That’s why we recommended some great slow cooker meal options recently. But sometimes when ease is focused on the kitchen, it sacrifices healthy nutrition.
Now that the calendar is winding down toward the end of the year, it’s a good time to use the change in seasons as a time to reflect on diet and consider making some changes with a healthier lifestyle in mind.
If you are caring for a senior loved one, you need to have some great, healthy meal ideas ready to go. Don’t worry — we’ve got five of them that are perfect for the fall and winter.
Let’s take a look!
#1 — Make Use of Sweet Potatoes and Other Seasonal Specialties
One of the best ways to ensure that your cooking is healthy is to prepare foods with ingredients that are “in season.” Sweet potatoes, apples and other delicious fruits and vegetables are harvested this time of year, so it’s a good idea to make use of them in meals that you prepare for your senior loved one this season. Check out your local farmers’ market for great selections and wonderful recipes.
#2 — Sautéed Carrots
Carrots are great year round because of their versatility, but there’s something about their color and flavor that makes them ideal for autumn. Sometimes seniors just want something light that produces little waste or leftovers. Carrots, when sautéed in healthy oil and combined with the right spices, are just the ticket this fall.
#3 — Lean Meats and Veggies on the Grill
Fall is a great time for grilling, but it’s also a wonderful time to reassess the types of food that go on the grates. Choose lean meats and seasonal veggies for the best flavor and the healthiest nutrition.
#4 — Pasta with Butternut Squash and Kale
Everyone loves pasta, and when you add seasonal squash and kale, you turn the treat into a meal that’s packed with great nutrition and flavor.
#5 — French Onion and Apple Soup
Soups are great for seniors because they are easy to heat up and simple to digest. A great fall favorite for older individuals is a french onion soup that includes the addition of apples to give it a fruity, healthy punch.
More Information
Are you searching for better, healthier meal ideas for your senior this fall? Do you need a hand when it comes to preparing those meals and ensuring that your loved one gets enough to eat? Always Best Care can help! Give us a call today at 1 (855) 470-CARE (2273) for more information and to schedule your FREE care consultation.
