While Arizona does not get nearly as cold as some other states, the nights can be particularly chilly in the winter. On these nights, we want our comfort cold-weather foods—but there is a problem with these dishes: most of them are not healthy.
Healthy eating is crucial at all ages, of course, but it is especially important to the overall well-being of seniors. A healthy body helps promote a healthy mind, so make sure you feed both with the right foods with these healthy cold-weather meals for seniors.
Harissa chicken
Harissa chicken is full of great, Italian flavors. For seniors focused on their vegetable intake, this dish supplies them with three servings per plate. One of the best parts? It all cooks in the same pan, meaning fewer dishes for you.
Zucchini noodles with avocado pesto and shrimp
If your loved one wants to cut carbs from their diet, zucchini noodles are a great option. They replace traditional grain noodles with their serving of vegetables. The pesto is bright and zesty, the perfect pairing to shrimp. If your loved one does not like shrimp, salmon or even chicken would be a good replacement.
Slow cooker French chicken recipe
Just because a dish is creamy, it doesn’t mean it isn’t healthy, and this French chicken recipe is proof of that. Filled with great root vegetables and herbs, this dish is a creamy, light, option for a cool winter evening. It should be a crowd-pleaser for most people.
Chicken and broccoli stir fry
Enjoy the flavor of takeout in a healthier vessel. This chicken and broccoli stir fry is sweet, spicy, and warm. Realistically, stir fry can be whatever you want it to be. The important components are protein, vegetables, rice, and sauce. Specifics can be tailored to whatever your loved one likes.
Slow-cooker stew
Stew is one of those quintessential cold-weather dishes, and it’s relatively healthy! This recipe is simple: you throw almost everything in the slow cooker and let it go for seven to eight hours. If you start in the morning, you won’t have to worry about dinner!
Sage-rubbed salmon
Fish is great for body and brain health. This is clearly represented in the Mediterranean diet, as well as in many Asian diets. Enjoy the health benefits alongside the great flavor (sage is perfect for this time of year, after all!) The salmon can be enjoyed alongside any vegetable your senior likes—or even in a rice dish.
What does a balanced meal look like?
A healthy meal is important, of course, but a meal is even better for seniors when it is also balanced. That being said, most seniors do not eat the correct proportion of food with their meals. Once you make any of these dinners with or for your loved one, you should make sure their plate has the correct portion of food groups.
As a general rule of thumb, your loved one’s plate should be half fruits and/or vegetables. A quarter should be their protein, and another quarter should be whatever grain is incorporated into the dish. Don’t forget a cup of water with each dish, as it will help them stay hydrated and retain fullness.
Home caregivers can help with meal preparation
Sometimes, seniors find cooking too physically taxing to keep up with. Other times, they stop cooking because, after 40 years of doing so, it’s no longer enjoyable. Whatever the reason is, if your loved one no longer desires to cook, make sure they get nutritious meals with an at-home caregiver.
At Home Care Powered by AUAF, our caregivers can help prepare delicious and nutritious foods for your loved one. They can run to the grocery store to pick up ingredients, cook the food, and clean up afterward.
Caregivers can do so much more than assist with meal preparation. From companionship care or dementia care, our staff will be there to help your loved one maintain their independence at home. To learn more, call us at (623) 526-6367.
