Keeping Food And Nutrition Fun For Seniors
Posted: 08.09.2015
Preparing healthy meals that successfully navigate dietary restrictions and provides a balance of essential nutrients is the primary goal when cooking for seniors. This may sound simple, but it can actually be a challenge since many seniors have a reduced appetite. This sometimes leads to bland foods, which are more functional than tasty. To ensure that the foods you prepare and serve for your seniors are nutritious and delicious, turn to the tips below.
Use An Original Recipe
One fun way to get seniors excited about their menu selections is to allow them to submit a treasured family recipe to be shared with the entire senior community. If they don’t have an original recipe to share, then they can use a favorite recipe. This is something that can be done as little as once a month, and can even be reserved for desserts, snacks, or appetizers. In addition to original recipes, invest in a few popular cookbooks from generations past. This way, you can mix in some of the recipes your seniors cooked for their families. Even if you have to make a few healthy adjustments, the little extra effort goes a long way.
Cook With Fresh Produce
If your residents comment that the food is sometimes bland, cook with more fresh produce. Aside from being more nutritious, fresh produce is also more flavorful. Set a goal to source as much of your produce as possible from a local farm, or even use produce or herbs from your on-site garden.
Have Theme Meals
Another way to get seniors excited about mealtime is to have theme meals on a weekly or monthly basis. While you’ll need to offer a secondary option for seniors who don’t prefer the theme of choice—themed meals can generate excitement. Some themes include:
Published by: SeniorCare.Jobs Editorial Team
Author: Joanne Silatei
Date: 8/9/2015
Use An Original Recipe
One fun way to get seniors excited about their menu selections is to allow them to submit a treasured family recipe to be shared with the entire senior community. If they don’t have an original recipe to share, then they can use a favorite recipe. This is something that can be done as little as once a month, and can even be reserved for desserts, snacks, or appetizers. In addition to original recipes, invest in a few popular cookbooks from generations past. This way, you can mix in some of the recipes your seniors cooked for their families. Even if you have to make a few healthy adjustments, the little extra effort goes a long way.
Cook With Fresh Produce
If your residents comment that the food is sometimes bland, cook with more fresh produce. Aside from being more nutritious, fresh produce is also more flavorful. Set a goal to source as much of your produce as possible from a local farm, or even use produce or herbs from your on-site garden.
Have Theme Meals
Another way to get seniors excited about mealtime is to have theme meals on a weekly or monthly basis. While you’ll need to offer a secondary option for seniors who don’t prefer the theme of choice—themed meals can generate excitement. Some themes include:
- pizza night
- Mexican fiesta
- Oktoberfest
- American classics
- build-your-own waffles
- English tea time
- ice cream socials
- cookie hour
Published by: SeniorCare.Jobs Editorial Team
Author: Joanne Silatei
Date: 8/9/2015