Tips for Better Elderly Nutrition - Part 2

For Dental, Chewing and Swallowing, or Motor Skill Feeding Problems

• Make chunky stews (like our butternut stew) that are soft and easy to eat
• 
  
• Shredded and cutup meats: For those with chewing and swallowing problems, shredded pork and chicken with a nice sauce can really help. If a person needs food cut up, do it before it is served to increase the dignity of the meal.
• 
  
• Think “Finger Food”: Many seniors have eyesight and motor issues that make eating with a fork, knife and spoon downright difficult. Things like chicken nuggets, cheese sticks, cut up veges with dip, etc. can help.
• 
  
• Smoothies can be considered a light meal for breakfast - and are great for adding vitamins and nutrients for people who have trouble chewing or eating.

Easy Ways to Improve Senior Nutrition

• Soup is on!: For you, it may be easier to cook a huge pot of stew or soup when you have the time - and divide it into smaller portions to freeze. This way you will always have something to offer on busy days.
• 
  
• Utilize Meals On Wheels: if you are having trouble coming up with the time or money for good meals for a home-bound relative, see if you have a Meals On Wheels program in your area. These programs are different throughout the US, but generally serve people age 60+.
• 
  
• Invite! Family and friends often ask "what can I do to help?" Invite them to sit with your loved one and eat a meal. This is a simple thing most people, including children, can do to help - and offers nourishment in more ways than one!

Food Ideas for Elderly People

Breakfast

• Vanilla yogurt and fruit
• Whole-grain toast with peanut butter or jam
• Low Fat Mini Quiche
• Simple Smoothie
• Banana Bread and Milk

Snacks

• Nuts – find those without added sugar and look for low-salt varieties
• Finger Fruit – grapes, bananas, apple slices, orange wedges are easy to eat
• Cheese Sticks – made for kids, but a great finger food for all of us! For a less expensive version, cut regular hard cheese (like cheddar) into long strips for eating by hand
• Vegetables with Dip – green beans, cucumbers sliced long and quartered, broccoli, tomato wedges, 
• Whole Grain Pita Bread with Dips: Cut up pita pocket bread into triangles for a softer “chip” to use with dips. If your loved one can handle chewing well, pita bread triangles can be seasoned with a little olive oil and seasonings of your choice and toasted in a 400 degree oven for 5 minutes. Great alternative to store bought chips and much less expensive!
• It is a good idea to serve a main meal earlier in the day for better sleep and digestion.

Soup is On for Dinner or Lunch

Soup with a whole-grain roll can be a hearty meal. Soups can also be made in large quantities to reserve some in the freezer for another day. Many of the soups in our recipe section contain beans, lentils, or large vegetables like squash. All of these types of food are high in fiber, nutritious, filling, and inexpensive.

Other Easy Dinner and Lunch Ideas

Prepared foods to make life easier – especially if your loved one has few diet restrictions:

• Shop for frozen meatballs. You can put these in red sauce for over pasta or microwave some plain for a handy high protein snack
• Look for frozen vegetables without added sugar or fat that cook right in the bag
• Single-serving yogurt and cottage cheese products can make a handy lunch or breakfast
• All the soups and the chicken nuggets in our recipe section can be stored frozen in individual serving sizes for up to two months. Labeled well, these portions can provide quick hearty meals when you don't have time to cook.

See more at: http://www.sageminder.com