Nutritious Meals for Seniors That Can Be Prepared in Advance

By 9  am on

Healthy Meals for Seniors in Winnipeg, MB

Preparing healthy meals can make it easier for your senior loved one to switch to nutritious foods. All you have to do is set aside some time to prepare several meals, and then you can grab refrigerated or frozen containers filled with healthy and tasty options whenever it’s time for your loved one to eat. Here are a few great ideas for healthy meals that can be made in advance.

Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole

When preparing a broccoli, chicken, and rice casserole, make sure to cut back on the amount of cheese, substitute brown rice, and use your own homemade béchamel sauce instead of a canned soup. The result is a tasty and creamy casserole loaded with lean protein, whole grains, fiber, and vitamin C. To make the dish in advance, prepare the casserole normally, but place it in the freezer or fridge before you bake it. You can keep it in the refrigerator or freezer for quite a while so it’s ready to be baked whenever your loved one needs a meal. 
Eating nutritious meals is not the only way older adults can boost their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Winnipeg, MB, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Chili

Chili is an ideal meal to make in advance because letting it chill for a few days before reheating helps the flavors blend together better. Almost every ingredient in this comfort food dish is healthy. The cooked tomatoes and peppers are abundant in antioxidants. A mix of various types of beans provides plenty of fiber to help the digestive system. If you want your loved one to cut back on red meat intake, you can substitute ground turkey and still make a flavorful dish. 
Preparing nutritious meals can be a challenging task for overworked caregivers. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Winnipeg, Manitoba, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

Baked Chicken Salad

The key to making a baked chicken salad is keeping the dressing away from the vegetables until ready to serve. Prewashed and chopped vegetables retain their crunch for a few days in the fridge as long as you keep them dry. You can also precook chicken and keep it in a separate container in the fridge for a few days to create a salad loaded with lean protein and fresh antioxidant-rich vegetables. When you’re ready to serve, all you have to do is toss it together with a healthy salad dressing. Skip premade dressings loaded with trans fats, and make your own with vinegar and olive oil.

Fruit Smoothies

Preparing meals in advance is particularly helpful for busy mornings when you don’t have time to make a nutritious breakfast for your loved one. Start by creating a smoothie made from fresh fruit, yogurt, and milk. The fruit provides vitamins and antioxidants, while the yogurt provides protein and probiotics. Freeze the smoothies in single-size servings and put one in the fridge the night before you want to serve it to let it defrost.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you don’t have the time to prepare nutritious meals for your parent. In Winnipeg, home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (204) 819 0392 today.

Request Free Information or
Schedule a Free in-Home Consultation