Springtime is traditionally a time of rebirth and renewal. As the flowers begin to emerge and bloom, most people begin to consider changing their diets and meal plans to cleaner eating and healthier choices.
The importance of healthy food cannot be overstated for older adults. There is no better time than now to re-evaluate the food choices and options available to seniors as part of the dining services option in our senior living community at Summer’s Landing. Our dieticians are hard at work incorporating spring recipes into the menu to ensure the health and wellness of our residents.
To learn more about the dietitian-approved menu available through our assisted living services, reach out to friendly staff at 850.265.9829.
Benefits of Clean Eating for Seniors
No matter your age, healthy eating is important. For seniors, good food and healthy choices have many added benefits for health and wellness, including:
- Disease prevention
- Weight management
- Improved energy
- Reduced blood pressure
As people age, their nutritional needs also change, requiring modifications to caloric intake, food habits, and choices. Seniors should focus on consuming nutrient-rich foods and limiting the amount of calorie-dense foods such as deep-fried foods, desserts, and sweetened beverages.
Healthy, nutrient-rich foods have the most benefits for seniors. Nutrient-rich whole foods like the following are always a good option:
- Fresh Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Low-fat dairy products
- Beans, lentils, and legumes
- Lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, or fish
3 Easy Spring Recipes for Seniors
Even though the menu and food options available to seniors as part of our dining services include the abovementioned foods to meet the nutritional needs of our residents, some seniors may choose to prepare their meals independently. The following are some recommendations for simple recipes for seniors to spice up their meal choices:
1. Bite-sized fresh vegetable skewers
Ingredients: Grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, basil
Slide the items onto a toothpick and place them on a serving plate. Combine one tablespoon olive oil, one tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and sea salt, whisking until combined—drizzle mixture onto skewers and chill.
Colorful, heart-healthy, and delicious.
2. Grilled salmon and spring vegetables
Ingredients: Spring vegetables of your choice such as asparagus, radishes, peas, and spinach, and two to three salmon filets.
Drizzle salmon lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon and sea salt. Place filet on preheated grill or pan. Cook to desired consistency and doneness. Combine vegetables in a large bowl and toss with one teaspoon olive oil and sea salt to taste. In a preheated pan, sauté vegetables until desired tenderness. Best served warm.
Support your heart and brain health with this tasty meal.
3. Apple barley salad
Ingredients: One cup cooked barley, chopped apples, ½ cup shredded carrots, lemon vinaigrette dressing
Combine ingredients in a large bowl, chill and serve.
Great source of fiber and don’t forget that it’s also immune-boosting.
Dining Services for Seniors at Summer’s Landing
Healthy meals require planning, patience, and a desire to meet the dietary needs of seniors. At Summer’s Landing, we take meal preparation seriously to ensure that our meals and food options meet the highest standards, taking into consideration the special needs of seniors, including managing their blood sugar, maintaining their blood pressure, and increasing their energy levels to ensure optimal health and well-being during retirement.
We also offer wellness programs and fitness classes to ensure the overall health of our residents, giving them the best chance of living a healthy life well into their senior years. To better understand what goes into the meal planning process or other easy and fun recipes for seniors, reach out to the staff at our dining services at 850.265.9829.
