Getting most individuals to add more fruits and vegetables into their diet has always been the goal of most doctors and other health practitioners. However, it is particularly important for seniors and older adults to get the proper nutrition they require in order to maintain their health as they age. This is especially true if they suffer from chronic health conditions.
Below are 5 tips for adding fruits and veggies to your senior loved one's diet.
Start your day with a green smoothie - Green smoothies are an excellent and delicious way to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. By adding your favourite fruits, such as berries and bananas, or veggies, such as spinach or kale, green smoothies provide the much-needed vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants needed to maintain our overall health. The creamy texture also assists those who may have difficulty chewing solid foods or may have concerns with dental care.
Steaming Veggies - Eating raw vegetables may be too difficult for seniors to bite, chew, and digest. Therefore, steaming foods such as broccoli, green beans, carrots and cauliflower is an excellent option to not only provide the nutrition they require but also provide a safe option for digestive health.
Pureed Soups - Pureed soups are an excellent option for ensuring seniors are provided with nutrition from vegetables in a safe and easy-to-digest meal. As a great alternative to raw vegetables, the soft texture is also great for those who have difficulty with chewing and other dental concerns. Some great options to add to your soup are carrots, peppers, and root vegetables such as potatoes and beets!
Casseroles & Sauces - These meal options are a great way to add vegetables to a senior's diet. The vegetables are more "hidden" than in the other options listed. So, for your favourite rice or noodle casseroles or favourite family pasta sauce, consider adding mushrooms, peppers, carrots or even broccoli to your next dish!
Banana 'Ice Cream' - Finding dairy alternatives to our favourite desserts and snacks has become a lot easier over the years. For those who may require dairy and sugar restrictions or have adopted a plant-based lifestyle, banana ice cream is a great option to try this summer. Simply peel, cut, and freeze bananas, then blend together to the consistency of ice cream! Keep in mind, that you may need to add a splash of water, almond milk or coconut water to get it to the right consistency. Add your favourite fruits or cocoa powder for added flavour!
For more on how our team can encourage healthy eating with planning, meal preparation and meal assistance, visit our website or call us at 613-769-1669 today!
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