Easy Meal Tips for Seniors

We recently had the opportunity to attend a Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County presentation from their dieticians about health and nutrition for our seniors. As our family members age, appetites decline, and factors like illness, medication, or arthritis can affect ability, energy, and desire to prepare and eat nutritious meals. Plus, if your family member has dementia, using the stove is particularly dangerous, so these tips require no heating or use a microwave.

These Meals on Wheels tips are great for you to share with your family members or their caregivers. Please read on for healthy, tasty, EASY recipes and pantry staples.

Healthy eating is important, but so is having a healthy appetite to enjoy meals. Here are 9 ways to improve your loved one’s appetite:

1. Plan Ahead - Plan ahead – and stick to – regular meal times.

2. Add Seasoning

3. Add Condiments

4. Incorporate Favorite Foods – This will help make meals more enjoyable

5. Limit Beverages – Don’t fill up on drinks during or right before meal times.  

6. Mix It Up – Boil, microwave, or blend foods to make them soft and easier to consume.

7. Change the Temperature – Try eating cold or room temperature foods. This eliminates smells that may be unappetizing

8. Try Nutrition Supplements – Some examples are Ensure, Boost or Glucerna

9. Make Mealtime Social – Make meal times more enjoyable with friends and family.

 If time is a factor limiting healthy meal prep, the following are easy-to-grab food staples:

• Yogurt/Greek Yogurt

• Fresh Fruit

• Applesauce

• Instant Oatmeal

• String Cheese

If you’re struggling to make sure your family member eats enough, please give us a call for a free assessment: 817-887-9401.