Getting proper nutrition at breakfast time can keep a senior feeling energetic for hours. The ideal breakfast foods for seniors should contain plenty of healthy nutrients. Foods may also need to be easy to chew in case your senior loved one has dental issues. Consider serving these tasty and healthy meals to your loved one for breakfast.
Fruit Smoothies
If you have a blender, delicious breakfast drinks are extremely easy to prepare. All you have to do is blend a serving of frozen fruit with some water or milk, and you can add a scoop of yogurt, protein powder, or peanut butter to make the smoothie a more filling and satisfying meal. A smoothie can be consumed from a cup with a lid, so this is an easy breakfast for a senior to enjoy almost anywhere.If you usually cook breakfast every day for your loved one along with managing all the other aspects of his or her daily life, you may be susceptible to feeling burned out or overwhelmed, but help is available. Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Des Moinesfamilies can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.
Scrambled Eggs
Eggs are easy to eat, and they can be made in just a few minutes. This classic breakfast food is full of protein, which helps seniors feel full and energetic throughout the day. Eggs also have plenty of vitamin D, a nutrient that’s essential for preventing osteoporosis in old age. Mix cheese, meats, and vegetables into a serving of scrambled eggs to tempt even the pickiest seniors. It’s not always easy to make sure your loved one eats healthy foods, especially if he or she lives alone. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care. Des Moines Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber, which is often missing from senior diets. Fiber is essential for lowering bad cholesterol levels, and it also eases digestion and prevents colon cancer. Both instant oatmeal and oatmeal cooked on the stovetop contain a lot of beneficial fiber. You can make this plain breakfast food more enticing by topping it with cinnamon, chopped apples, maple syrup, honey, or unsweetened cocoa powder.
Fried Potatoes
Fried potatoes are great for seniors who don’t want something sweet for breakfast. However, fried foods can be unhealthy if not prepared properly. To make healthy fried potatoes, dice the potatoes and gently sauté them in a drizzle of olive oil until they’re soft. Potatoes are easy to chew if your loved one has dental issues. They also contain potassium, which regulates water and electrolyte balances in the body, making it crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Yogurt Parfait
A tasty parfait can easily be made by layering fresh fruit, crunchy granola, and lightly sweetened yogurt in a cup or bowl. The fruit and granola are valuable sources of fiber and nutrients. In addition to heart-healthy fiber, parfaits made with probiotic yogurt are a great source of beneficial bacteria. The microorganisms in yogurt can make digestion easier for seniors. Nutrition is important for seniors to remain healthy in their golden years, and breakfast is a great way to start the day with the vitamins and nutrients your loved one needs most. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust homecare experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438.