When the weather gets cool many seniors want to eat hearty foods that will help them stay warm and full. But, the comfort food seniors crave when the temperatures drop may not be healthy for them. Often comfort foods are full of carbs, sauces that are full of fat and sugar, and processed foods that can cause a wide range of health problems.
Some seniors may indulge in processed fall foods because they have trouble cooking the vegetables that are in season in the fall. Root vegetables like turnips, squash, and sweet potatoes can take a lot of time and effort to cook. Senior home care can help seniors cook healthy and hearty meals like these so that seniors get the nutrition they need but get all the fall comfort food they want:
Fall is a wonderful season for seniors to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals that are not only comforting but also provide essential nutrients to support their well-being. As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to savor hearty and wholesome dishes. Here are some healthy and hearty fall meal ideas tailored for seniors:
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash is a fall favorite, rich in vitamins A and C. Roast diced butternut squash with onions and garlic until tender, then blend with low-sodium vegetable broth until smooth. Season with nutmeg, cinnamon, and a touch of honey for a warming, nutritious soup. Seniors can make homemade butternut squash soup in a slow cooker, with a little help from a senior home care provider.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Prepare stuffed bell peppers with a filling of lean ground turkey or quinoa, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and spices. Bake until the peppers are tender and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess. Seniors can enjoy leftover stuffed peppers for several days because they are easy to heat up in the microwave.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasting a mix of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, and garlic creates a side dish bursting with flavor and vitamins. Serve alongside a lean protein source like grilled chicken or fish. Roasted root vegetables are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Combine skinless chicken breast, wild rice, carrots, celery, and onions in a slow cooker with low-sodium chicken broth. Season with herbs and spices for a satisfying and filling soup. This soup freezes well so seniors can freeze the leftovers for another time.
Baked Apples
For a healthy dessert or snack, core and bake apples until soft. Fill the centers with a mixture of oats, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar or honey. Top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts and a dollop of low-fat yogurt.
Pumpkin Oatmeal
Spice up your morning routine with pumpkin oatmeal. Mix canned pumpkin puree, oats, a pinch of cinnamon, and a dash of maple syrup or honey. Cook on the stove with milk or water until creamy, and top with chopped nuts and raisins. Put all the ingredients in a slow cooker and leave it on overnight on low and seniors can wake up to a delicious hearty and healthy breakfast.
Salmon with Cranberry Glaze
Salmon is an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Baste salmon fillets with a cranberry glaze made from cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey. Roast or grill until the salmon flakes easily.
Quinoa and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Quinoa is a protein-rich grain that pairs well with sautéed fall vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini. Toss in some tofu or lean chicken for added protein, and flavor with a low-sodium soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.
Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage leaves can be stuffed with a mixture of lean ground meat, rice, and vegetables. Cook them in a tomato-based sauce for a comforting and nutrient-rich meal. Cabbage rolls are another meal that reheats beautifully so seniors can enjoy the leftovers or freeze some of the rolls for another time.
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Turkey Chili
Top baked sweet potatoes with a hearty turkey chili made with lean ground turkey, kidney beans, tomatoes, and spices. It’s a nutrient-dense and filling dish perfect for a chilly evening. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals that seniors need.
Reference
https://www.southernliving.com/food/dinner/fall-dinner-ideas
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in St. Paul, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
