Food For Elderly With No Appetite

Author

Chefs for Seniors

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

Posted on

Oct 07, 2021

Book/Edition

Colorado - Denver Metro

As we age, we often see our appetites begin to decrease, which can happen for a variety of reasons- health issues, low mobility, gastrointestinal changes, etc. With that said, it can be tricky to encourage seniors to eat nutrient dense foods when they have little to no appetite to begin with. Often, we see people reaching for convenience foods that can be high in inflammatory fats, sugar and processed ingredients that can make a low-functioning metabolism decline even more rapidly. Our approach is to increase nutrient density- not portion size. In this article, we'll be discussing some nutritious, simple food options that can be fed to seniors with a declining appetite.

Avocados
Avocados are mild in flavor, soft in texture and packed full of nutrients- most importantly heart healthy fats for healthy joints and optimal brain function. Avocados can be eaten mashed on a piece of whole grain toast or even plain with a sprinkle of salt.

Finely chopped or ground meat
A senior with a small appetite is likely to turn their nose at a large piece of meat, so we recommend using ground or finely chopped meat like beef, chicken or turkey in a dish. These allow for smaller portions, and ground meat can be more easily consumed by those who have difficulty chewing or digesting. We gravitate towards options like meatballs, chicken or tuna salad with herbs and seasonings.

Eggs
Eggs are an inexpensive, widely available high-protein option for seniors- and most always have a carton in their refrigerator. Eggs can be prepared in a variety of ways- scrambled, or even hard-boiled in the fridge for an easy snack.

Fruit smoothies
A commonality that we see among seniors is that with a declining appetite, they often reach for unhealthy foods that are high in sugar. Fruit smoothies give the benefit of curving a sweet tooth (from the naturally occurring sugars in fruit) while providing real food nourishment. We even like to sneak veggies like spinach into smoothies for an extra superfood boost they'll barely taste it!

Full fat dairy sources (Yogurt, soft cheeses, etc.)
Full fat dairy sources such as yogurt and soft cheeses (think cottage cheese and ricotta) are both appealing to the taste buds and easy to eat. For a senior with minimal nutrient intake, we prefer full fat dairy for the added boost of protein. For a touch of sweetness, you can add a small scoop of fruit preserves or stewed fruit.

For a large majority of the senior population, buying, storing and preparing food can be a real challenge. It can be easier to just avoid it all together, but this can lead to symptoms of malnourishment. By hiring a personal chef service like Chefs for Seniors, this can take the burden off of our elderly loved ones and provide them with tempting and delicious meals. We know that appetite is stimulated by the senses- smell, taste, sight and even sound! Let the aromas of homemade meals waft through the home and the sound of sizzling veggies and bubbling sauces on the stove promote positive associations with mealtime- they'll even look forward to it!

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Local Services By This Author

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.

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.