Proper nutrition for seniors is vital to keep them happy and healthy for years to come. According to the USDA, older adults should eat a variety of foods from each food group to help reduce the risk of disease.
If you have a loved one in the Collinsville, IL area and you're looking for a quality assisted living community, the staff at Addington Place of Collinsville is here to help.
Read on for a list of eight nutritious assisted living menu ideas that will keep the senior in your life healthy and satisfied.
Elderly meal planning can be challenging, but this particular menu item is a popular favorite. Salmon (and other fish) is a terrific source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These "omega-3s" are healthy fatty acids that are vital for heart and brain health.
Add some steamed vegetables like carrots and broccoli to provide residents with healthy vitamins and fiber. Baking the salmon helps to retain its nutrients. When you pair this with freshly steamed veggies, it makes a delicious and healthy meal for the spring and summer.
There's nothing quite as soothing and comforting as a hot bowl of chicken soup on a cold day. Not only does this make for healthy elderly meals, but it provides hydration, essential nutrients, and plenty of muscle-building protein.
Serve this soup with some whole-grain bread to add fiber and to help with healthy digestion. Make the soup using fresh herbs and vegetables for a bit of extra flavor. The addition of whole-grain bread gives this meal a nice, easy side dish and a bit more chewy, crunchy texture.
Another of our favorite assisted living menu ideas is a simple yet nutritious vegetable stir-fry served with tofu. Adding a variety of veggies to the stir-fry not only makes it taste great, but it also provides seniors with a great variety of healthy vitamins and minerals.
Tofu is an excellent source of protein, so it helps to support muscle and bone health. Cook the dish in just a very small amount of oil to help maintain its nutritional benefits while also bringing out the vegetables' natural flavors.
One of the best senior dining options is a simple dish consisting of grilled chicken and roasted vegetables. Not only does the chicken provide lots of healthy protein, but grilling it keeps things lean. Adding roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini not only adds color but also healthy fiber and antioxidants.
Grilling the chicken till it's juicy and tender is sure to bring a smile to the faces of everyone who eats it. By roasting the vegetables, you'll bring out their natural sweetness and give them a delicious, satisfying texture for a healthy meal seniors will love.
What about some creative senior menus for breakfast? A warm bowl of oatmeal provides seniors with soluble fiber, which helps support healthy cholesterol levels and good digestion.
Add some fresh berries for vitamins and antioxidants, and throw in some nuts for added crunch along with healthy fats and proteins. You can make the oatmeal separately, then offer residents the option to add their preferred amount of nuts and berries as desired.
If you need a good lunch option to add to your elderly meal planning, this is a great choice. The avocado is packed with fiber and healthy fats, while turkey is a low-fat source of protein. Serve a side salad for a fun extra, which is also full of vitamins and minerals.
Make your turkey and avocado wrap using whole-grain tortillas to add more fiber to the dish. Dress the side salad lightly to avoid overuse of oils or fats. You can also offer extras for the salad like sunflower seeds to give it some crunch.
Another great breakfast menu idea for seniors is a classic egg scramble with spinach. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients, and they're easy to prepare. Add some spinach and mushrooms to the egg scramble for iron along with even more vitamins and healthy antioxidants.
When preparing this dish, make sure that the eggs are soft so they're easy to eat. Mix it with sauteed mushrooms and spinach to give it extra flavor and a boost of healthy nutrients.
Soup is always a favorite, so try serving lentil soup to provide plant-based protein and fiber. This ingredient also aids in digestion and supports a healthy heart.
Serve the dish with delicious whole wheat rolls so it's filling and satisfying (not to mention, nutritious). You can easily season the lentil soup with some fresh herbs and spices to give it more flavor minus the sodium. Ensure that the whole wheat rolls are nice and soft, which makes them a great choice for the seniors in our community.
At Addington Place of Collinsville, we understand that many seniors have very specific dietary restrictions. Whether it's diabetic-friendly meals, low-sodium options, gluten-free foods, or other special foods, our team can prepare any meal to suit every senior's special dietary needs.
Cooking healthy foods is a key part of a holistic wellness plan for seniors. Access to well-rounded and balanced nutritious meals is key to keeping seniors healthy for longer.
If your loved one has specific dietary needs, please let us know and we're happy to accommodate them. Our team of skilled chefs can make anything tailored to a variety of diets.
Keep these nutritious assisted living menu ideas in mind if you're looking for some easy, healthy menu options. The right balance of protein and healthy nutrients provides seniors with a delicious meal that supports their health and well-being.
Addington Place of Collinsville offers seniors a safe, comfortable living space and a diverse social calendar that includes healthy meal options, so contact us today to schedule a tour or to learn more.