There are so many ways for aging adults to eat healthier, including adding more fruits and vegetables to their diets. The idea of eating a plant-based diet can be intimidating, though, especially if seniors haven’t thought about doing this before. Whether they’re considering it now out of a desire to feel better or their doctors have recommended more produce, a plant-based diet might be just the ticket. Home care services can offer seniors support with trying new recipes, shopping for ingredients, and prepping meals.
What Fruits and Vegetables Will Seniors Eat?
If there are any produce items that seniors already enjoy, they should definitely make the regular grocery list. At first, it isn’t about making seniors dramatically change their diets. Getting an idea of what fruits and vegetables seniors already enjoy gives families a starting point so that they aren’t beginning from scratch.
Lean on That List
Starting with a list of fruits and vegetables they already enjoy eating means that seniors aren’t changing their diets a lot at first. They’re simply adding more of what they’re already willing to eat to their menu. Elder care providers can help aging adults to add more of the fruits and veggies they already enjoy into their daily meals. Berries on yogurt are an easy breakfast or snack, for instance. Apples and peanut butter are a great way to get both protein and fiber. Side salads with meals automatically bump up produce intake.
Experiment with Possibilities
One of the meals seniors might think of when they hear “plant-based diet” is a meatless meal. Of course, for people eating a fully plant-based diet, every meal is meatless. For seniors wanting to lean plant-based without going vegetarian or vegan, trying out one main meal per week that is meatless can be a great way to experiment a bit. Home care providers can help seniors find recipes that are similar to ones they already enjoy so they can see the difference.
Talk to Medical Providers Before Making Big Changes
Before seniors make any massive changes to their diets, they should talk with their doctors. There may be supplements to consider if seniors decide they want to go completely plant-based, for instance. Their doctors can also help seniors to understand which foods they should plan more meals around and which foods they might want to avoid.
Make Meal Preparation Easier
Meal preparation is often a big factor for seniors no matter what type of diet they’re eating. As they age, seniors may have a tougher time keeping up with the demands of cooking, cleaning up, and even shopping for ingredients. Home care providers can assist with these types of tasks, making sure that seniors have the help that they need with every stage of meal preparation, from planning meals that include more fruits and vegetables to shopping for groceries and cooking meals.
Making plant-based meals as tasty as possible helps seniors feel more excited about including more fruits and vegetables in their diets. Home care providers can help seniors to make these changes slowly, adapting gradually to a diet that leans more heavily on produce.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Maple Grove, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
