Adding in Extra Vegetables to Your Seniors Diet

It’s no surprise that many seniors, like everyone else, prefer carbohydrates over carrots, making it challenging to ensure that their nutritional requirements are met. Chronic diseases are more common among the senior population. Increased eating of fruits and vegetables has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer, lower blood pressure, and improve blood sugar control.

It can be hard to know if your senior is eating the right amount of vegetables. You may wonder if they are cooking, or you may notice they have lost weight and know they’re not eating enough. Hiring senior home care is one of the best solutions for your senior who wants to age in place. These professionals can help sneak more vegetables onto a senior’s plate and ensure they’re regularly eating. Senior home care can be the best partner when looking at options for your elderly loved one. Here are some ways to eat more vegetables during the day as a senior.

Go for Something Crunchy
There are several healthy alternatives to fried potato chips for a crunchy snack or a side dish with a sandwich. Pick up a handful to check which ones the older adult prefers: kale, sweet potato, beet, radish, green bean, eggplant, and many more. Freeze-dried fruit is another crunchy and healthy option.

Go for a Smoothie
Smoothies and sauces are excellent methods to include a few superfoods into a senior’s diet. Blend a little spinach, yogurt, and fresh fruit to make a refreshing, delightful drink. Alternatively, purée various veggies to add to marinara sauce, such as zucchini, carrots, kale, bell peppers, and so on.

Food Prep or Choose Convenient Vegetables
The various procedures required to prepare certain vegetables and fruit (slicing, peeling, chopping, cooking) make it simpler to take a prepared snack. Look for nutritious alternatives just as quick to grab and consume, such as ready-to-eat salads, baby carrots or other cleaned and sliced vegetables, individual cups of fruit, bananas, and different types of vegetables you can eat alone.

Freeze Portions In Advance
By mixing fruit with a tiny quantity of juice or water, putting it into popsicle molds, then freezing until firm, you can make your own easy, nutritious frozen treats. These are also great multi-generational activities! Invite the family over, then let each select their favorite flavor to create. Finally, spend some precious time together as you wait for them to cool before eating your creations.

Senior home care is a professional responsibility for most of your senior’s needs, including diet. They may help your senior go to the grocery store and buy what’s needed for healthy meals. Or remind them that it’s time for lunch. They are one of the best professionals when you know your senior mom or dad wants to age in place.

If you’re unsure what your senior should eat, it’s time to talk to another professional. Often, a senior needs a team to stay healthy and happy while living at home. A nutritionist or doctor is someone your senior can talk to for more diet advice.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Home Care in Media, PA, and the surrounding area, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544

Ibrahim & Mariama Suma-Keita