4 Myths About Senior Nutrition

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Chefs for Seniors

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Chefs For Seniors

Posted on

Oct 07, 2021

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Colorado - Denver Metro

Over the years, there have been countless opinions about which diet is going to give us optimal health. Plant based, low fat, gluten free you name it! With this abundance of information, it has become increasingly difficult to know which diet to follow. As a business that focuses solely on feeding seniors, there are apparent misconceptions about nutrition as to what we should be eating to age well, prevent diseases and illness, and feel good mentally and physically. In this article, we are going to discuss 4 common myths about senior nutrition.

#1 Seniors can afford to skip meals if they aren't hungry/don't have a desire to eat or cook
As we've discussed in a past blog post, as we age, our metabolism seemingly changes. This means that our food preferences can change, and some foods that we used to enjoy just don't appeal to us anymore. We often see that with a lack of desire to cook or even grocery shop, seniors are not eating as much as they should be. When we skip meals, we deprive our bodies the chance to obtain essential nutrients like fats, protein, vitamins and minerals that keep our body functioning at an optimal level. We feel energetic, mentally alert and we don't crave junk foods!

#2 Seniors can have their nutritional needs met by taking vitamins and supplements
High-quality vitamins and supplements can certainly be a great addition to a well-balanced diet, but they should never take place of the naturally occurring nutrients in food like high-quality protein sources, fruits, and veggies. Taking an abundance of supplements can even be dangerous in that there is the risk of getting too much of a particular nutrient without realizing it, which can do more harm than good. In other words, multivitamins will not fix an otherwise unhealthy diet-even if they seem like the most easy and convenient option.

#3 Seniors should eat a diet consisting of low-fat and low-calorie options
We know that there are a lot of foods available in the supermarket that advertise themselves as healthy, but those options in reality may be even less beneficial for our diets than we realize. For example, a low-fat flavored yogurt may seem like a healthy breakfast option but could be full of sugar and artificial ingredients. Instead, opt for plain Greek yogurt that can be sweetened with honey or fruit. Especially for seniors who struggle to eat at least 3 meals a day, it is important to make sure that they are getting enough high-quality protein, fat and carbohydrates (yes- these are all necessary nutrients).

#4 Seniors can rely solely on eating at restaurants/ordering takeout
While going to a restaurant or ordering takeout is an easy, no hassle (and no cleanup!) option, the cost for eating out regularly adds up quickly- especially if its multiple meals a day. Not to mention, the ingredients that are used in commercial restaurants often contain high amounts of sodium, saturated fats and sugar that should not be consumed on a regular basis.

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Soft-cooked vegetable pastaIngredients: Whole-grain pasta, olive oil, garlic, a variety of vegetables (e.g., spinach, tomatoes, zucchini), grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.Benefits: Whole-grain pasta provides a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health. The vegetables add vitamins and minerals, supporting overall well-being, while olive oil and Parmesan cheese offer healthy fats and calcium, respectively.Instructions: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it is soft. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and saut garlic until fragrant. Add the chopped vegetables and cook until they are soft and tender. Mix the cooked vegetables with the drained pasta, and toss everything together with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This dish is not only nutritious but also easy to chew and swallow, making it a senior-friendly meal option.3. Quiche with spinach and mushroomsIngredients: Eggs, milk, grated cheese (such as cheddar or Gruyere), fresh spinach, mushrooms, a pre-made pie crust, salt, and pepper.Benefits: Eggs and milk provide high-quality protein and calcium, crucial for bone health. Spinach and mushrooms are excellent sources of vitamins and antioxidants, supporting immune health and providing dietary fiber for digestion.Instructions: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and milk together, then stir in the grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Saut spinach and mushrooms in a pan until theyre soft and then spread them evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. 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These beverages are designed to provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and other nutrients essential for maintaining health and vitality in older adults. 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Local Services By This Author

Chefs for Seniors

Home Delivered Meals 6178 Zenobia Court, Arvada, Colorado, 80003

Chefs For Seniors specializes in preparing flavorful, nutritious meals. Our professional chefs prepare a variety of delicious meals using our expansive collection of menu items we create a rotating list of seasonal, fresh meal options for you. We understand that proper nutrition is very important and can make a significant difference in seniors wellbeing.

Chefs for Seniors

Meal Preparation , Denver, Colorado,

Chefs For Seniors specializes in preparing flavorful, nutritious meals. Our professional chefs prepare a variety of delicious meals using our expansive collection of menu items; we create a rotating list of seasonal, fresh meal options for you. We understand that proper nutrition is very important and can make a significant difference in seniors wellbeing. Well create menus that are 100% customized to not only fit your dietary needs but also excite your palate. Were more than just a senior meal delivery service, we offer a meal service thats convenient and surprisingly affordable so you can spend more time doing the things you love - and less time worrying about cooking. Our chefs are ServSafe certified, undergo thorough background checks, and are fully insured. Plus, you can enjoy watching them perform their culinary magic in the safety of your home.

Chefs for Seniors

Meal Preparation 6178 Zenobia Court, Arvada, Colorado, 80003

Chefs For Seniors specializes in preparing flavorful, nutritious meals. Our professional chefs prepare a variety of delicious meals using our expansive collection of menu items we create a rotating list of seasonal, fresh meal options for you. We understand that proper nutrition is very important and can make a significant difference in seniors wellbeing.