As we age, nutrition becomes increasingly important. For seniors, a balanced diet decreases the risk of many types of illness and disease, including chronic illness that can have a serious effect on quality of life. Careage has compiled some tips to help seniors improve their nutrition and eating habits while still enjoying every meal.

Get Creative with Your Fruits & Vegetables

We all know that fruits and vegetables are key to a healthy diet, but not everyone appreciates a simple salad, or loves their brussel sprouts. There are numerous inventive methods to seamlessly integrate more of these nutritious elements into your regular eating routine. Consider the versatility of smoothies - a delightful blend of fruits and leafy greens that provide a quick and convenient way to consume several servings of healthy ingredients in one tasty beverage. Soups also offer a way to incorporate various vegetables, enabling you to create hearty, flavorful dishes brimming with healthful ingredients. Additionally, try experimenting with salads that combine an assortment of colorful fruits and veggies, making them not only visually appealing but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Look For Healthy Swaps

Making healthy dietary choices involves several easy swaps that elevate the nutritional value of your meals while satisfying your preferred tastes. Opt for whole grain bread in your sandwich or incorporate whole wheat flour into your recipes for added nutrients. Substitute olive oil or canola oil for butter, and consider healthful alternatives such as using applesauce or Greek yogurt instead of a portion of your oil. These simple adjustments empower many seniors to savor a diverse range of foods while getting their daily dose of healthy nutrition.

Keep it Simple

As you age, preparing complex meals can become a burden - especially at the end of the day when you might be tired. You may be tempted to purchase prepackaged freezer meals or order from local restaurants, but those meals are often high in sodium, fillers, and preservatives, and short on actual nutrients. Keep it simple with whole foods and wholesome meals that are easy to prepare. A dinner of pre-cut vegetables, hummus, and a little whole wheat pita bread requires little effort and is packed with nutrition. Add a little hot sauce or salsa to your hummus if you want a flavor boost. If you are still feeling overwhelmed by shopping and preparing food for yourself, look for a meal delivery service that focuses on healthy ingredients.

Decrease Sugar Content & Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Keeping your sugar content low can improve your immune system and decrease your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Unfortunately, replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners is not the answer. Artificial sweeteners have been proven to carry their own health risks, and even moderate consumption can lead to problems for seniors. To satisfy your sweet tooth, opt for naturally sweet options like fruits, or desserts with moderate to low amounts of sugar.

At Careage Senior Living, we do everything we can to encourage a healthy lifestyle for our seniors, including providing nutritious meals and dietary support. Contact us to learn more about life with Careage.