Switching to a vegetarian diet offers several health benefits. However, seniors are unlikely to enjoy any benefits of the diet if they simply eat potato chips and white bread all day. Vegetarian meals need to be carefully planned and prepared so they are filling and nutrient-rich. Older adults are sure to appreciate the following six healthy vegetarian meals.
1. Bean Burritos
To ensure the bean burritos are free from meat, make sure you cook your own refried beans or buy some made without animal fat. You can load up tortillas with refried beans, avocado, salsa, rice, or any of your loved one’s favorite meat-free fillings to make a tasty and healthy meal.
Seniors who need help preparing healthy meals should consider professional in-home care. Lakewood home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Pizza Margherita
Seniors who want something healthy and tasty should consider pizza margherita, which is a simple combination of fresh tomato, fresh mozzarella slices, and fresh slivers of basil. You can buy whole grain pizza crusts or even make a cauliflower crust if you want to cut back on the amount of wheat.
3. Eggs and Toast
Skip the bacon and make a filling breakfast with a few eggs and some slices of whole grain toast. You can cook the eggs in heart-healthy olive oil or boil them to reduce the amount of calories. Eggs and toast contain healthy fats and plenty of fiber, so this meal can keep your loved one feeling full until lunch.
4. Yogurt and Granola Parfait
To prepare yogurt and granola parfait, all you need to do is layer granola with lightly sweetened yogurt and berries or sliced fruit. The yogurt provides both protein and fat, and it also has probiotics to make digestion easier. Include dark berries to ensure the parfait has plenty of antioxidants.
5. Meatless Chili
Tomatoes, cumin, onion, garlic, and peppers add flavor to bean-based chili. Beans contain heart-friendly fiber and protein, while peppers are loaded with vitamin C. Serve a hearty scoop of meatless chili over some rice, and top it with sour cream and cheese to make a complete meal that can keep your loved one warm on a chilly night.
Consider hiring a professional home caregiver if your senior loved one needs help with basic tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Though you may be researching multiple in-home care agencies, Lakewood, CO, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust in Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
6. Avocado Lettuce Tomato (ALT) Sandwich
Use avocado instead of bacon to make a tasty ALT sandwich. The slices of avocado provide healthy monounsaturated fats and include enough calories to make a satisfying meal. Combine avocado, tomato, and lettuce on whole wheat bread to make the meal filling.
Switching to a nutritious vegetarian diet is one of the healthiest lifestyle choices older adults should consider. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits, consider hiring a professional elderly caregiver. Lakewood families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide dedicated and compassionate in-home caregivers who are trained in our holistic Balanced Care Method, which was designed to encourage seniors to exercise often, eat nutritious foods, maintain strong social ties, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To learn about our premier in-home care plans, call us at (303) 987-5992 today.