Elder Care in Burnsville MN
Since elderly adults often experience lack of appetite due to chronic medical conditions and medications, it is very important for caregivers to make their meals count. This means that meals and snacks should always contain foods that are very nutrient-dense such as fruits and vegetables, fish, whole grains, and nuts. One food that is very nutrient-dense and sometimes even considered to be the healthiest food there is, is kale. Kale is a leafy green that can provide your loved one with plenty of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B-6, and even protein. However, kale can often taste bitter and it doesn’t have the soft, tender texture of spinach. The good news is, there are several ways you can prepare kale to make it a delicious addition to your loved one’s healthy diet. Here are just a few ideas:
Chopped Salad
Chopped salads or slaw-style salads can be refreshing, tasty, and very nutritious. When you chop kale into very small pieces and toss it with other vegetables such as cabbage, carrot, cucumber, and celery, it’s taste and texture becomes masked. This is a great option for elderly adults who do not enjoy the taste and texture of kale.
In Soup
Cooked kale can be delicious and it can be used to make soups heartier and more nutritious. Many soup recipes call for spinach, bok choy, or other leafy greens. Simply use kale as the leafy green. It will become infused with the flavor of the soup and it will become tenderized by the cooking process.
As a Lettuce Replacement
If your elderly loved one usually adds a piece of lettuce to their sandwich or burger, try adding a piece of kale instead. The taste will not be that much different, but your loved one will be adding many more nutrients to their meal.
A Kale Omelet
For a nutrient-dense breakfast that is sure to keep your loved one feeling full and energized throughout the day, saute some kale and add it to an omelet with cheese and any other vegetables that they enjoy. This is a great way for your loved one to get a healthy serving of vegetables during their first meal of the day.
Kale Chips
Oven baked kale chips can make a great snack to have on hand that are rich in nutrients. They are a very healthy alternative to traditional chips.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Burnsville, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
