Eating healthy meals is important for individuals of all ages, but especially so for the elderly. For seniors, paying attention to their diet can help them maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy a longer life with fewer health complications. That’s why it’s essential to make sure that they always have access to healthy foods. Here are some ways to do that.
Tips for Preparing Heart-Healthy Meals
The key to preparing heart-healthy meals is to focus on nutrient-dense options that are low in sodium and fat. When creating a menu for your elderly relative, there are some food rules of thumb you can use as guidelines:
Choose Lean Protein Sources
Try to pick leaner cuts of chicken, pork, or beef such as skinless breasts or thighs. Ground turkey is also a great option. Fish like salmon and cod should also be included at least twice per week.
Incorporate Whole Grains
Including whole grains in meals provides plenty of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeping arteries clear. Look for 100% whole grain bread, pasta, rice, quinoa, and other complex carbohydrates when making your grocery list.
Include Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease. Aim for 1 ½ cups of fresh fruit and 2 ½ cups of veggies daily with their meals.
Limit Sodium & Saturated Fats
Most prepared ingredients have high amounts of sodium, which increases blood pressure. That’s why it’s important to read labels carefully and maybe even opt out of any recipes calling for canned foods if possible. Additionally, saturated fats (those found in full-fat items like butter) tend to raise LDL cholesterol levels. Try using olive oil instead!
Heart-Healthy Meal Prep Ideas
There are plenty of ways you can prepare food for seniors that limit the time they have to spend in the kitchen and help with greater overall health. Here are a few ideas:
- Pre-made Meals: Batch cooking and portioning out single servings of food ahead of time is one way of ensuring your elderly relative will have access to nutritious dishes throughout the week that they can easily reheat when ready.
- Meals in a Jar: This idea revolves around creating layered salads right inside mason jars. All that's needed is shaking everything together when it comes time to eat! Salads made with greens, fruit, and some protein also make great portable lunch options.
- Single Serving Meals: For times when making multiple servings isn't necessary or feasible, try making individual meals. These little dishes often require minimal time commitment but result in maximum flavor thanks to having the luxury of adding select ingredients without the need for multiplying measurements.
- Slow Cooker Recipes: Slow cookers may just be one of the best inventions ever created for busy families looking for kitchen help. With this method, you essentially prep all your ingredients before hitting start on your appliance (which typically requires 30 minutes or less!). The slow cooker does all the work after that, resulting in unbeatable flavor without having to spend hours standing over a stovetop stirring each dish from scratch.
- Nutrient-Dense Smoothies: If you want an easy and fast meal option, smoothies are always welcome. Rich in vitamins and nutrients, these powerhouses make tremendous snack or breakfast alternatives. You can pack them full of great things like oatmeal, chia seeds, nut butter, and almond milk along with many of your loved one's favorite fruits and vegetables.
Healthy Meal Suggestions
Putting all the pieces together can be quite daunting. Try some of these recipe suggestions to help you get started.
- Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables: A mix of protein and veggies is always a winning recipe. Start by prepping some salmon filets, layering them over chopped brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and onions. Then top it off with lemon juice, olive oil, and more spices for a delicious flavor.
- Quinoa Bowls with Grilled Chicken: For those who may count grains as their favorite carbohydrates, try combining cooked quinoa with grilled chicken breasts seasoned to perfection. Toss in roasted bell peppers or bok choy for added crunch, or swap out the chicken for wild-caught tuna steaks marinated in citrus juices (such as orange juice).
- Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes: Low-fat turkey makes a great base ingredient since it's so flavorful. Add it into your chili along with diced veggies like zucchini, celery, corn, and pumpkin cubes —then finish everything off by topping the pot off with cubed sweet potato rounds, or serve over baked sweet potatoes.
- Lentil Soup & Whole Grain Breads: Lentils lend an amazing taste packed full of nutrition. Whether you prefer French lentils or red ones simmering away in beef broth, it gives way to endless possibilities. Serve along with healthy whole-grain bread or toast!
Senior Helpers Can Offer Assistance for Loved Ones Dealing with Heart-Related Challenges
If you or a loved one have to deal with concerning heart conditions or problems in Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, or Atlantis, Senior Helpers South Palm Beach can deliver much-needed at-home aid. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home care services.