Meal Planning for Seniors: Nutritional Tips and Easy Recipes for Home Care

A healthy diet is essential to senior care. Seniors should eat nutritious foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals to attain optimal health. Caregivers must work with them to plan and prepare meals that support well-being.

This article will provide meal planning tips and easy recipes seniors and caregivers can follow.

Nutrition Tips for Seniors

Use MyPlate to Create a Healthy Plate: Caregivers should know what a healthy plate looks like. They should develop meal plans that include all five food groups. Refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture MyPlate guide for reference if necessary.

Include Important Nutrients: Meals should include nutrients sourced from fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein. They should be high in fiber and low in sodium. They should also be high in Vitamin D, an essential nutrient for seniors.

Drink Plenty of Water: Seniors should stay hydrated throughout the day. Water is the best source of hydration because it is free of sugar and calories.

Recommended Senior Recipes

Here are some recipes caretakers can try preparing for clients.

Berry Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup olive oil mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. Stevia
• ½ tsp. tarragon
• 1 ½ cups chopped or shredded chicken
• 1 cup fresh berries (your choice)
• ½ cup fresh or thawed frozen peas
• ¼ cup chopped celery
• Salad greens or spinach

Directions:

1. Whisk mayonnaise, stevia, and tarragon in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper (optional).
2. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir well.

Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 (12 oz) can black beans
• 1 (10 ounces) can of diced tomato pepper mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil
3. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise, brush with salt and olive oil
4. Place potatoes on a sheet cut side down, and bake for 30 minutes or until thoroughly cooked
5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Mash the potato flesh with a fork.
6. Sprinkle potatoes with beans, tomato pepper mix, and cheese. Divide toppings evenly
7. Place potatoes back in the oven for five minutes to melt the cheese.

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounces) can low-sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces) can tuna, drained
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp. olive oil mayonnaise
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup green or black olives
• Spinach or salad greens

Directions:

1. Combine chickpeas, tuna, mustard, mayonnaise, and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
2. Place ingredients on a bed of spinach or salad greens.

Meal Planning for Seniors Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

Caring for your loved one can be challenging. You must ensure they are eating healthy meals and exercising self-care. SarahCare Home Care can help. 

SarahCare’s compassionate aides provide various services that ensure senior wellness. We help clients maintain their independence. We work with low-income families to ensure they get the care they require. 

Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services.