We all know that eating a healthy diet is key to our health, especially as we age, but for many seniors, eating healthy can be quite a challenge. The key is to provide seniors with easy to make, nutrient-dense foods. We’ve compiled a list of meal ideas and a few simple recipes that you can make for your aging loved one or they can make for themselves, if they are able. Along with these meal ideas, our health coach has provided a shopping list that will provide your loved one with 7 days of simple, fresh, healthy meals.
Breakfast
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Hard boiled egg, Greek yogurt, and whole wheat toast with peanut butter (2 meals this week)
TIP: Buy pre-peeled hard boiled eggs. Make protein easily accessible
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Old fashioned oatmeal with raisins, cinnamon and honey (3 meals this week)
Recipe: Combine 1/2 cup oats and add 1/2 cup water in bowl, Cook in microwave for 3 minutes. Add toppings.
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Greek yogurt with granola and raspberries (2 meals this week)
TIP:Stick to fruit you don’t have to cut and are easy to chew, like blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
Lunch
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Egg salad sandwich on whole wheat bread with tomatoes and dried apricots on the side (2 meals this week)
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Warm roast beef sandwich with melted provolone cheese (2 meals this week)
TIP: Heat chunks or slices of left over meat from the pot roast in a saute pan. Melt cheese on top and transfer to whole wheat bread.
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Fruit and yogurt smoothie with peanut butter toast (2 meals this week)
Recipe: Blend 1.5 cups of frozen berry mix, 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup water, juice or milk.
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Salad
TIP: Purchase a pre-made bowl from the deli or bagged salad from produce section. Use an individual dressing package or serve with olive oil and vinegar. This will keep salad dressing from going bad in the refrigerator. Pre-made salads are easily accessible which means your loved one is more likely to eat it if it is already made.
Dinner
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Slow Cooker Pot Roast (2 dinners and 1 lunch)
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Easy as Shepard’s Pie (2 meals this week)
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Simple Shrimp Penne- (2 meals this week)
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Do at least one meal out of the house with family and friends