During the chilly winter months, people tend to subconsciously eat more fatty and calorie-rich foods to stay warm. Since retaining warmth uses up so much energy, it is important for seniors to get the right type of nourishment in the winter. Instead of being packed with sugar and unhealthy fats, a good winter meal for seniors should be warm and contain a lot of nutrients. Try serving these five healthy and hot meals to keep your senior loved one warm during the colder months.
1. Lentil Stew
A simple stew of lentils and broth makes a warm lunch or dinner that can keep your loved one feeling full for hours. Lentils are rich in copper, manganese, potassium, and zinc, providing the nutrition seniors need. They are also a great source of fiber, which helps with digestion, and even vegetarian seniors can eat lentils to get enough protein.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to ensure your loved one receives warm and nutritious meals this winter season. Lincoln home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Roasted Chicken
The rich smell of a roasted chicken slowly baking for hours is sure to stimulate your loved one’s appetite. Chicken is loaded with protein, but it does not contain as much artery-clogging animal fat as red meat. Baking chicken is also an ideal way to serve poultry without adding a lot of unhealthy fats. You can toss some chopped carrots, potatoes, and other root vegetables into the pan to create an easy one-dish winter dinner.
3. Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash is an extremely impressive source of nutrients. Just one cup contains half of a senior’s daily vitamin C requirement and three times as much vitamin A as the daily recommended amount. Vitamin A can reduce the risk of vision impairment and help the immune system fight off colds and the flu. Another benefit is that even seniors without teeth can easily eat this pureed soup.
4. Oatmeal
Seniors can wake up to a warm breakfast by enjoying a hearty bowl of oatmeal. One of the biggest advantages of oats is that they contain plenty of heart-healthy fiber. A single cup of oatmeal also contains plenty of iron, along with about a quarter of the vitamin A and B6, calcium, and magnesium needed each day. These nutrients can prevent osteoporosis and boost vision.
Older adults who need help preparing warm and nutritious meals can benefit from professional in-home care. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Lincoln seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
5. Chili
A filling chili loaded with beans, peppers, tomatoes, and meat has been a winter favorite for years, and it also has some impressive health benefits. Cooking tomatoes increases the levels of lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant, and most chili is flavored with cumin, which has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. In addition to containing these healthy ingredients, chili also contains plenty of fiber and healthy protein. You can lower the fat content by using ground turkey instead of beef.
The winter season can be challenging for seniors, especially those who are living with serious health issues. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Lincoln seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. To help your loved one age in the comfort of home and stave off a number of diseases, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 226-3737 today.