Senior citizens
may face dietary issues due to their age and deteriorating health conditions. Many senior citizens will have age related diseases such as heart conditions, because of their food choices. Senior citizens are more likely to wear dentures, which can make it harder to chew certain foods. Consider these factors when preparing healthy menus for senior citizens.
Fruits and Vegetables
Everyone should eat a proper allotment of fruits and vegetables every day but this is even more important as you age. Fruits and vegetables contain fiber. Fiber aids in keeping the body's system regular. Fruit and veggies also contain antioxidants, which aid in preventing certain diseases. Healthy menus for senior citizens should contain lots of fruits and vegetables at every meal or snack.
Drinks
Senior citizens tend to dehydrate easily, according to Free Drinking Water, (see References below) so menu planning should include fruit juice and water. If the person is used to having coffee in the morning allow a cup or two. Limit intake of coffee and other drinks with caffeine;caffeine can cause dehydration.
Menus
Sample meal plans for senior citizens might include a breakfast with a high-fiber muffin, a poached egg and fruit juice. Alternatively, try two slices of toast made from whole grain bread such as rye or pumpernickel. A cereal high in fiber could be substituted a couple of days a week for variety.
Mid morning snacks should include a piece of fresh fruit. Since the senior citizen might have trouble eating hard fruit like apples consider using a food processor to convert the apple to applesauce. This is healthier than buying processed applesauce products. Provide fruit juice or water with the snack.
Lunch choices might include a cup of soup with a half sandwich. Prepare the sandwich with whole grain bread and chicken or turkey. Use fat free mayonnaise or mustard to spice up the sandwich. Top the sandwich with a tomato slice and leaf of lettuce. Add a glass of skim milk or if the person is lactose intolerant try soy milk.
Afternoon snacks include, whole grain cracker snacks with low fat cheddar or swiss cheese. Alternatively, another piece of fresh fruit such as grapes, a plum or a peach. Provide fruit juice or water.
Dinner should be light fare since the person may be retiring for the night soon. Consider a bowl of chicken noodle soup or vegetable beef. Boneless, skinless chicken breast, two helpings of fresh vegetables and one serving of brown rice works well on alternate nights to eliminate boredom. Substitute fresh fish choices such as salmon, cod or flounder for chicken. For dessert consider a fresh berry bowl topped with fat free whipped topping. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or a mix of fruits are a good substitute for sugar filled, fatty desserts. Add a glass of skim milk or soy milk or fruit juice with dinner.
Tags: fruit juice, fruit juice water, juice water, Senior citizens, whole grain