A healthy diet and physical activity could prevent up to 80% of strokes and premature heart disease. This is according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Eating healthy could control blood sugar, improve cholesterol, and lower blood pressure.
It’s one of the most important ways of preventing chronic diseases. Diet-related chronic diseases can afflict individuals of all ages but are usually more prevalent in seniors.
Healthy eating is essential in assisted living settings as it plays a key role in enhancing the quality of life for seniors. However, if introducing new assisted living menu ideas to your meal plan seems challenging, this article can help. We review:
Adding a few of them to your nursing home menu will make mealtime even more exciting.
Canada’s food guide identifies the significant role healthy eating plays in aging well. The guide recommends eating the following foods daily:
They also advise drinking water regularly to keep hydrated. Vitamin D supplements can help with bone maintenance which indirectly affects muscle function. Those 51 and older should take one daily.
Breakfast options for nutritious elderly meals could include eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies. Consider soup and a sandwich, or a filling salad for lunch. Meals that include colourful vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains are great options for dinner.
In addition to reducing the risk of disease, nutritious meals help to maintain physical and cognitive functions. They also support overall well-being.
Healthy food options don’t have to be boring or tasteless. Here are a few that will infuse flavour-filled nutritious, deliciousness into your menu.
This is an extremely versatile dish. It blends coloured vegetables you can cook in any stir-fry sauce you love. Traditional colourful vegetable options include:
You can also try other vegetables such as celery, asparagus, or bean sprouts. Each will contain different vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. They’re also rich in fibre and stir-frying them helps retain their nutrients.
Quinoa is often considered a superfood. It contains nutrients such as protein, fibre and antioxidants and is gluten-free. Its low glycemic index can assist residents with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
Fresh herb quinoa salad ingredients include:
Top it off with a healthy vinaigrette or homemade Greek or Caesar salad. Quinoa is another one of many versatile meals for seniors as you can add it to breakfast bowls.
Like quinoa, salmon is nutrient-filled, specifically containing omega-3 fatty acids. These unsaturated fats:
Cooking this delicious meal is easy. Enclose the seasoned salmon fillets and asparagus in foil after drizzling with olive oil and a touch of lemon. The foil will heighten the flavour while sealing in moisture.
The end product will probably be one of your favourite senior dining options.
Whole grains should be a fundamental part of every balanced diet. They contain similar nutrients to quinoa. They break down slowly in the body regulating blood sugar levels while providing a continuous energy source.
Colourful vegetables also work well with this dish and typically consist of:
It’s just as delicious with a tomato sauce or a creamy garlic sauce and grilled chicken is a tasty addition for meat lovers.
Soup can be heartwarming, comfort food, perfect for a light lunch. The combination of lentils and spinach ensures you receive significant doses of vitamins and nutrients. Beneficial to both diabetic and heart patients, it can significantly improve their quality of life.
Besides spinach and lentils, you’ll need:
This particular recipe, which has a Mediterranean flair, starts with sautéing the herbs, spices and onions. Add the broth and lentils, cook, and then top off with lime juice and fresh parsley.
Probiotics help with the body’s immune response. These live microorganisms work to provide balance within your body. Probiotics help ease common digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion and constipation.
Calcium is also important for keeping bones healthy and strong and reducing osteoporosis. Greek yogurt contains both making this parfait a great addition to healthy senior living meals.
Use any assortment of fruit to add to this sweet yet healthy treat. However, the basic ingredients are usually layers of yogurt, berries and granola.
Fruit and nut energy bites are another quick and healthy snack option. Making it takes 10 to 20 minutes and you can substitute ingredients based on what you like. Bites are a blend of:
After combining the ingredients, refrigerate then, after half an hour, scoop tablespoonfuls into balls. Drizzling these treats with chocolate is optional.
Diverse and nutritious meals in assisted living can provide the vitamins, minerals and nutrients seniors need for their well-being. Along with physical activity, they are essential to preventing chronic disease and improving quality of life. You can do the same by incorporating this article’s assisted living menu ideas into your meal planning.
Retirement Concepts’ communities provide nutritious meals for residents who choose this option. It’s one of the high-quality services we offer along with care and housing.
Our staff members are professional, caring, compassionate and ready to cater to residents’ needs. Contact us to learn more.