Some individuals, as they get older, lose interest in cooking. But, vital for healthy aging are two aspects frequently overlooked: staying hydrated and proper nutrition. Even people who enjoy food and/or cooking may lose interest in it for the following reasons:
- Tired of eating alone
- Physical difficulty with cooking
- Changing taste buds
- Medication side effects
To help pique your interest in cooking once again, here are some nutrient dense, healthy meal suggestions for aging adults. Check out our healthy recipes for seniors below.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (mushrooms, snap peas, onions, broccoli, zucchini, and peppers)
- Half pound protein (tofu, sliced steak, or cubed chicken breast)
- 1 tablespoon non-hydrogenated vegetable oil or olive oil
Sauce ingredients:
- A sprinkling of ginger powder or 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Here’s what you do:
- Over medium heat, in a skillet or large wok, heat the oil. Stirring regularly, cook the protein until lightly browned. Throw in the vegetables and add another 10 or so minutes cooking time. When the vegetables are soft, remove the veggies and meat and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients. Bring this to a simmer in your pan over medium heat until slightly thickened (or about three minutes simmering time).
- Throw the protein and vegetables back in the pan and combine by stirring.
- For a filling meal, serve this over noodles or brown rice.
One Pan Vegetables and Salmon
Here’s what you’ll need:
- One lemon (this is not a necessity)
- 2-4 4-ounce salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon of your favorite fish seasoning blend or Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- One sliced bell pepper
- 1 cup grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 wedged onion
- One zucchini or squash sliced into rounds
Here is what you do:
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and preheat your oven to 450°F. Use vegetable oil to grease the pan if you don’t have the foil or parchment paper.
- Toss all the veggies in a large bowl with the seasoning and 2 tablespoons of oil. On the baking sheet, spread them into a single layer.
- Skin side down, nestle your salmon fillets between the vegetables. With remaining olive oil, brush and top with (optional) lemon slices.
- Roast until salmon is mostly opaque and flaky or about 12 to 15 minutes. For a healthy, satisfying meal, plate up one salmon filet with a big serving of roasted veggies.
Berry Chicken Salad
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Torn spinach or salad greens
- 1/4 cup celery (chopped)
- 1/2 cup frozen or fresh peas
- 1 cup whole fresh blueberries or quartered fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken (one breast would be enough)
- Half teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or olive oil
Here’s what you do:
- In a large bowl, whisk the olive oil/mayonnaise, sugar, and tarragon. With pepper and salt, season to taste.
- Stir well/combine together the celery, peas, berries, and chicken.
- For a fresh and filling lunch, over spinach or salad greens, scoop your delicious chicken salad.
Healthy Meals and So Much More at Discovery Village At The Forum
In addition to numerous opportunities for socialization, concierge service, transportation, and numerous amenities you’d expect from a resort, the meals served at Discovery Village At The Forum are exceptional. Wondering what might be on the table at any given moment? Click here for a sample menu.
Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? That’s because it is! Contact us if you’d like more information. Better yet, schedule a tour, today.
Let’s reword thing: Daily, experience restaurant-style dining, prepared by our culinary team. With delicious and healthy choices for meals, our residents never get bored!
