Easy Meals Seniors Can Make

Suggestions to Boost Nutrition for Seniors

As we age, it is common for our taste buds to change. Children go through stages where they may not eat anything green but mature to love asparagus later. As adults, we may take a bite of our favourite fish and decide that we do not enjoy it like we used to. The same happens for those over age 60. As the senses diminish, food no longer smells as good, or our dentures keep us from biting into a crisp Granny Smith apple. Healthy eating for seniors has the additional challenge of cooking for just one or two. It may not seem worth cooking up a big batch of homemade lasagna if there is no one to share it with.

Cooking does not have to be a chore if you keep a few staple recipes handy and a pantry full of easy to use ingredients. Also, Canada’s Food Guide is a helpful resource to aid in planning meals. Now, if you dread cooking or need help maneuvering in the kitchen, a highly trained caregiver from Home Instead can help fix nutritious meals.

Healthy and Easy Meal Ideas When Cooking as a Senior

Cooking for one or two does not mean skipping nutrition for the convenience of processed foods. Here are some easy meal ideas you can make today:

1. Breakfast: The possibilities are almost endless for what is arguably the most important meal of the day.
   • Scrambled eggs with veggies like mushrooms, chives, or spinach. Add some fruit, yogurt, and whole grain toast to give you early morning energy.
   • Oatmeal topped with your favourite fruit. You can even make it in the microwave with this basic recipe:
     • 1/3 cup oatmeal, quick-cooking
     • 1/8 teaspoon salt
     • ¾ cups very hot water
   • Mix together the oatmeal and salt in a microwave safe bowl. Add water and stir. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave on high for 1 more minute. Stir. Microwave for an additional 30-60 minutes on high until your cereal reaches the desired thickness. Be sure to stir each time. Add fruit and enjoy!
2. Lunch: Follow your scrumptious morning meal with an equally delicious lunch.
   • Big leafy salad with your pick of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions, mushrooms, or whatever you enjoy. Add some rinsed canned beans for extra protein.
   • From vegetable to minestrone, filling your stomach with soup is a great way to enjoy lunch. Try this super easy recipe:
     • 1 package of frozen veggie mix
     • 1 quart low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
     • 1 small onion, diced
     • 1 carrot, diced
     • 2 celery stalks, diced
     • 2 tablespoons pecorino cheese (optional)
     • Salt and pepper
   • Sweat diced onion, carrot, celery in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the frozen vegetable mix and broth. Bring to a boil and let soup warm up. Add salt and pepper – but not too much – just to your taste! Top with cheese for additional flavour if you like.
3. Dinner: Finish the day well with a light dinner.
   • Bake or broil a skinless chicken breast. Add a potato in some aluminum foil and cook together for added flavour and easy clean up. Steam some broccoli, carrots, or other vegetable to round out the meal.

Trusted Senior Care Services to Assist in Healthy Eating Habits

Enjoy nutritious foods again with the help of a trained caregiver from Home Instead Hamilton. We provide many services to help you remain independent in your home or help when your family members are not available. Whether it is companionship services, personal care, cooked meals, or 24-hour and live-in care, we support families and their elderly loved ones.