Food and nutrition are extremely important for older adults to maintain a healthy lifestyle and lessen the risks of malnutrition and other illnesses. Due to various reasons, like a loss in appetite or a decrease in mobility, older adults may become less interested in shopping for groceries, preparing food, and eating. Learn more about some simple recipes to prepare healthy meals for the elderly that will ensure they are nourished.
Yogurt with Fruits and Nuts
A simple breakfast or snack that older adults can make is yogurt with fruits and nuts. The ingredient list is simple, and the preparation process is also relatively straightforward. Scoop yogurt into a bowl, add fruits that are cut into smaller pieces and sprinkle some nuts over for a simple and healthy meal. This combination is a great blend of vitamin C, protein, probiotics, and other nutrients.
Vegetable Salad
Vegetable salad is another healthy meal that older adults can easily prepare for themselves. You will need to prepare a variety of vegetables that you like, for example, cabbage, onion, and red pepper, nuts, olive oil, and some salad dressing. Steam or sauté vegetables in olive oil to help retain nutrients, and combine them with some nuts. Mix together with salad dressing, and this healthy and delicious vegetable salad is ready to eat.
Chicken Soup
Soups and stews are generally easy to make, delicious, and still very healthy depending on the ingredients you use. One great example of a quick and easy-to-make soup is chicken soup. First, you need to cook onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil. Then, you can add chicken stock and boil over high heat. After the vegetables are thoroughly cooked and have turned soft, add cooked shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and parsley. Let the soup simmer for around ten minutes, and the chicken soup is ready to serve. Chicken soup is rich in protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have many health benefits, including muscle development and lowering blood pressure.
One-Pot Pasta
As its name suggests, one-pot pasta is completely made in one pot, which makes it more convenient for older adults. Sauté onion and garlic in the pot for around one minute, and then add mushrooms, broccoli, and herbs with salt and pepper and continue cooking. After the vegetables soften, add pasta, chicken stock, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and then let it simmer until the liquid is mostly reduced. This is not only a healthy meal, but pasta is great for older adults who have issues with chewing as well.
Join Rittenhouse Village At Portage For Healthy Meals
If you find it inconvenient and difficult to constantly prepare healthy meals for yourself, join us at Rittenhouse Village At Portage, where we will take care of your meals for you! We encourage our residents to lead independent and active lives, so you are free to cook for yourself if you want to. However, on the days that you don’t want to cook, you can rest assured that our professional chefs offer a large selection of healthy food choices that are made from natural and fresh ingredients. Enjoy delicious food that keeps you healthy from the comfort of your home!
