Breakfast is perhaps the most important meal of the day, especially for seniors. Starting your day off with a nutritious breakfast provides key vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health. The adage "breakfast like a king" still applies, so it's important to ensure that seniors have access to meals that will fuel their day.
For individuals on a budget or who don't have time to cook elaborate breakfasts every morning, this can be daunting. Here are some ideas for healthy breakfasts on a budget, direct from Senior Helpers Columbus North, OH!
Oatmeal With Berries
Oatmeal is a relatively cheap and filling breakfast option for seniors on a budget. It's full of fiber, which can help keep them fuller for longer. Topping it with fresh or frozen berries can add extra vitamins as well as sweetness without an artificial aftertaste from processed sugars. Bonus: oatmeal is also simple to make in large batches, so you can easily eat the same meal several days in a row!
Yogurt or Smoothies
Yogurt is another great option for breakfast on a budget. It's an excellent source of protein and calcium, while also being fairly low in sugar overall. Adding fresh or frozen fruit will make it extra tasty - just watch out for yogurts with added sugars! Similarly, smoothies are inexpensive to make at home. Try blending some banana, berries, and almond milk into a quick snack that travels well if you don't have time to sit down and eat in the morning.
Whole Grain Toast
Whole grain toast is high in fiber and vitamins, and can easily be topped with a variety of healthy and affordable toppings. Peanut butter is an especially nutritious option. It contains plenty of protein to keep seniors fuller for longer. Other great options include mashed avocado, hummus, or cinnamon applesauce!
Ways to Save Money on Breakfast Essentials
Shopping for breakfast items at bulk retailers can help save you money in the long run. Buying cereal, oatmeal, and nut butter in large quantities will save trips to the store and can often work out as a cheaper investment than buying smaller packages. Try switching from pre-packaged yogurts to plain yogurt. You can add all kinds of things to these, such as fresh fruit, for added flavor and sweetness. It's also cost-effective if you shop around for sales on things like berries and bananas. Stocking up when they are particularly low-cost is a great way to save some cents over time!
Senior Helpers Can Help Create Healthy Meal Plans
Eating healthy and on a budget is possible for seniors. With the right meal options and money-saving tactics, creating delicious, low-cost breakfasts can become part of any senior's daily routine.
Senior Helpers Columbus North, OH, provides comprehensive in-home health care services to seniors in the Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Hilliard, Westerville, Franklin County, and Powell areas. If you or a senior loved one needs help with managing meal planning or running errands like grocery shopping, contact us today!