Most people know that eating more fruits and vegetables is important for good health. Yet, lots of people fail to include these healthy foods in their regular diet, or they don’t eat enough. That can be especially true for older adults for a number of reasons.
For one thing, if your aging relative is not able to drive, they may not be able to get to a grocery store where fresh produce is available. Some may find it difficult to prepare vegetables or just be uncertain of how to use them. Fortunately, there are lots of easy ways to include more vegetables in your older family member’s diet, like the 4 ideas described below.
#1: Load Up the Plate
Experts say that a typical dinner should have a plate that is half-filled with vegetables and fruit. Okay, that might not always be easy since it seems like a lot of vegetables to eat at one time. One way to do that is to increase the number of vegetables called for in the recipe. If you’re making something that calls for a half cup of peas, make it a cup. You can also serve a leafy green salad with lots of different kinds of vegetables to top it. A salad is often easier to eat than an enormous serving of green beans. Also, remember that it’s half a plate of vegetables AND fruit, so you could serve a little more than a quarter of the plate filled with vegetables and the remaining section with fruit, like applesauce or some fresh berries.
#2: Add Fruit to Breakfast Foods
Breakfast is a perfect time of the day to include some fruit. Lots of breakfast foods pair perfectly with a variety of fruits. For example, you could add many different kinds of fruit to a bowl of oatmeal, like sliced up banana, a handful of berries (any kind will do!), or a chopped apple. You could also serve a fruit and yogurt parfait, using plain or vanilla yogurt with mixed berries and a little granola.
#3: Use Frozen Veggies
Frozen vegetables are a good substitute for fresh ones. They are nutritious and easier to prepare, which can be important for family caregivers who are short on time or for seniors who struggle with hand strength. Frozen vegetables are also quick since they can be cooked in the microwave and typically take much less time to cook than fresh ones.
#4: Use Elder Care
Seniors who have trouble cooking for themselves will benefit from elder care. An elder care provider can prepare meals and snacks for your loved one that include plenty of fruits and vegetables. An elder care provider can also keep washed and cut fruits and vegetables on hand for the senior to eat as snacks, making them an easy snack to grab.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Oakland, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
Sources
Fruitsandveggies.org
Heart.org
Choosemyplate.gov
