Nutrition is incredibly important to the health and well-being of seniors, but many older individuals experience a loss of appetite that becomes increasingly problematic over time. In some cases, seniors don’t get enough calories throughout the day and in other cases, they aren’t getting the right nutritional balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Nutrient-dense foods are ideal for seniors as they pack as much fuel as possible into every bite. Here are three delicious, appealing, nutrient-rich meals to offer your aging loved ones. Our Personal Support Workers (PSWs) would be pleased to make these meals during a shift—please visit our website or contact us to learn more about hiring a high quality caregiver in Toronto, Mississauga or the surrounding communities.
Homemade soup
A cup of soup may look like a ‘light’ meal, but you can pack a lot into a small serving. Consider making lentil soup (a great source of iron, protein and fibre) or this delicious leek and butterbean soup. This hearty chicken soup is made even heartier if you add diced potatoes, rice or noodles, and a classic beef barley or minestrone offers plenty of nutrients. Homemade stews and beef or turkey chili are other great options. We recommend serving these dishes with a side of whole grain bread or toast (even better if you add a layer of hummus for added protein).
Avocado toast with chopped eggs
Avocado toast is an excellent dish that’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Avocados contain a wide variety of nutrients and plenty of fibre, which supports gut health. They’re also rich in healthy fats that support brain health, have anti-inflammatory properties, and may lower your risk of heart disease if consumed regularly. Start with toasted whole grain bread, then add one full avocado (sliced or mashed). Add a chopped or sliced egg on top of your avocado, then season with salt. You can also add chopped or sliced tomatoes, sliced cheese, some crunchy lettuce, and/or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. If chewing and swallowing are not issues for your aging loved one and they have good dental health, consider adding a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds or ‘Everything Bagel’ seasoning before serving this dish open-faced. The egg adds protein and these other toppings can be a great source of additional vitamins and nutrients.
Peanut butter banana smoothies
When solid food isn’t particularly appealing to your aging loved one, try offering some a delicious smoothie made with wholesome ingredients. Peanut butter banana smoothies are a great option—consider this recipe or make your own using any combination of banana, yogurt, peanut butter, milk or milk alternatives. You can add a bit of pure vanilla extract, honey and/or maple syrup for sweetness, or add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to give this smoothie a chocolatey taste. If your loved one could use added protein or is lacking in specific nutrients, consider adding dietary supplements (protein powder, ground flax, whatever else reflects their needs). If they don’t enjoy smoothies, consider a healthy chia pudding or Greek yogurt parfait with similar ingredients (sliced bananas, protein-rich seeds and nut butters, etc).
Thanks for reading and please contact us if you have any questions about high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga or other parts of the GTA. A member of our care team would be glad to discuss your family’s needs and goals in order to make personalized recommendations and provide a quote.