Healthy Recipes For the Elderly

Easy and Nutritious Meal Ideas

Eating well is important for all ages, but especially for older individuals who need to maintain their strength and energy, while often managing chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. Because calorie needs decrease with age, but nutrient needs remain the same or even increase, it's essential that seniors pack as much nutrition into each meal as possible. Recipes for Seniors and Elderly Nutrition

Planning quick and nutritious meals that are high in protein, vitamins and minerals can make healthy eating easy. Many caregivers and family member worry whether their parents are eating enough and getting a balanced diet. These are valid concerns, given that appetite decreases for older adults as they become less physically active. The diminishment of taste and smell also dampens the desire to eat. Food just doesn't taste as good.

The USDA Daily Dietary Guidelines:

Grains: 5-10 ounces (with at least three ounces from whole grains)

Vegetables: 2 to 3 1/2 cups, with a variety of colors and types

Fruits: 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups

Milk, yogurt, and cheese: 3 cups of milk (1 cup of yogurt, 1 1/2 to 2 ounces of cheese, or 2 cups of cottage cheese are equivalent to one cup of milk)

Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts: 5-7 ounces of lean meat, poultry or fish (1/4 cup of cooked beans or tofu, 1 egg, 1/2 ounce of nuts or seeds, or 1 tablespoon of peanut butter are equivalent to one ounce of meat)

Elderly persons should ensure that there is adequate protein in their diets, for protein is necessary for a healthy immune system and for repair and maintenance of body tissues. In addition, only small amounts of fats, oils, and sweets should be eaten each day. Fats can provide energy and vitamins, but too much fat can lead to heart disease. fat is also high in calories.

To lower fat a person can:

Choose lean cuts of meat, fish, or skinless poultry
Trim off fat before cooking
Use non-stick cooking pans and pots and cook without added fat
If fat is used for cooking, use an unsaturated vegetable oil or nonfat cooking spray
Broil, roast, bake, stir-fry, steam, microwave, or boil foods rather than frying
Season foods with lemon juices, herbs, or spices instead of butter or margarine

DISCLAIMER: Links to other websites or references to products, services or publications do not imply the endorsement or approval of such websites, products, services or publications by Elder Options of Texas. The determination of the need for senior care services and the choice of a facility is an extremely important decision. Please make your own independent investigation.