There’s a reason nutritionists say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Starting the day with a healthy meal can help seniors manage their weight and decrease the risk of developing diabetes or heart disease. Help your senior loved one start the day off right with these simple, healthy, and delicious breakfast ideas.
1. Greek Yogurt and Fruit
If your loved one enjoys yogurt, opt for Greek yogurt, which contains calcium and probiotics of regular yogurt with a boost of protein. Each half-cup serving provides 10 grams of protein, which can help your loved one maintain lean body mass. Sweeten the yogurt naturally with a drizzle of honey and chopped fruit.
Eating a nutrient-dense breakfast can help aging adults boost their body strength and mental acuity. However, following a healthy diet isn’t the only way to maintain good health in the golden years. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Roseville, CA, 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.
2. Eggs and Whole-Grain Toast
Eggs used to have a bad reputation because of the amount of cholesterol the yolks contain. However, recent studies have shown this reputation may be unfounded. A study published in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care found eating eggs didn’t raise total cholesterol levels. Eggs are high in protein, selenium, and vitamin B. Vitamin B converts food into fuel, which can help your loved one stay energized throughout the day.
3. Smoothie with Protein Powder
Fresh fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals that can give your loved one’s health a boost. However, seniors with small appetites may have a difficult time eating the daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. Blend bananas, berries, and spinach with a scoop of vanilla protein powder to make a delicious smoothie.
4. Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Nuts and Fruit
If your loved one enjoys a warm, comforting bowl of oatmeal in the morning, encourage him or her to try steel-cut oats rather than instant. Steel-cut oats are cut across the grain and contain more protein and fiber than processed oats. Adding chopped nuts and diced fruits can give your loved one an additional boost of fiber, which may make it easier to manage his or her weight and stay regular.
Following a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy weight can enhance overall quality of life. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust Roseville at-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
5. Cottage Cheese with Diced Apples
Some seniors have a difficult time getting enough calcium each day, but eating cottage cheese may help. Cottage cheese contains 20 percent of the recommended daily value of calcium each day. Calcium can keep your loved one’s bones strong. Add a dash of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, and diced apples to one cup of low-fat cottage cheese for a well-rounded breakfast.
6. Whole-Grain Waffles and Turkey Bacon
For seniors with high cholesterol, turkey bacon is a great alternative to regular bacon. Turkey bacon has 14 grams of total fat and four grams of saturated fat compared to the 22 grams of total fat and eight grams of saturated fat in regular bacon. Pair a couple of slices of turkey bacon with a whole-grain waffle for a healthier take on a classic breakfast option.
Family caregivers who are unable to prepare a healthy breakfast for their loved one every day should consider hiring a professional caregiver. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Roseville seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers. Get in touch with us today at (916) 226-3737 to schedule a complimentary consultation.