Protein is essential for everyone’s health, but it’s especially important for seniors to get enough protein. Eating protein helps prevent the loss of muscle mass, which seniors are at a high risk of.
Eating protein can also help seniors with diabetes lose weight or stay at a healthy weight. But often, seniors don’t get enough protein, especially if they are living alone. They may not want to cook a full meal just for themselves or struggle to cook meat, which is a great source of protein.
Home care providers can help your mom or dad eat more protein and improve their overall diet. With home care, seniors have someone who can help them cook healthy, balanced meals. And a home care provider can help your mom or dad shop for healthy foods that contain protein.
If your mom or dad has a low appetite because of health conditions or side effects from medications, a home care provider can try these easy methods to get your senior parent to eat more protein:
Add Protein to Foods They Already Enjoy
A simple way to increase protein intake is by adding it to foods your mom or dad already likes. For example, if they enjoy oatmeal, mix in some Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or protein powder.
If they love smoothies, blend in milk, nut butter, or even a protein supplement. Adding cheese to scrambled eggs or sprinkling nuts and seeds over salads or soups is another easy way to boost protein.
Adding protein to foods they already like is a tried-and-true way to sneak some extra protein into your mom or dad’s diet without them even realizing that you’re doing it.
Prepare Protein-Rich Snacks
If your mom or dad doesn’t like to eat traditional large meals providing small, protein-rich snacks throughout the day is a good option. A home care provider can make sure there are foods like boiled eggs, string cheese, yogurt, or peanut butter handy for a quick snack.
Nuts, protein bars, or hummus with veggies are also great choices. Snacking on protein throughout the day can be less overwhelming than trying to eat big meals, and it still helps your mom or dad get the right amount of protein each day.
Incorporate Protein into Breakfast
Breakfast is a great time to include more protein in your senior parent’s diet. A home care provider can make your mom or dad protein-rich egg dishes for breakfast. Or, your mom or dad can have foods like Greek yogurt with nuts and fruit or cottage cheese with melon to start the day with a healthy amount of protein.
If the home care provider doesn’t arrive until late in the morning, they can make breakfast sandwiches with eggs and meat ahead of time and keep them in the freezer. Your mom or dad can microwave one when they get up and want breakfast.
Experiment with Different Protein Sources
Not all seniors like the same types of protein. Your parent may prefer different textures or flavors. Try a variety of protein sources to see what they enjoy the most. This could include lean meats like chicken or turkey, fish, eggs, dairy products, or plant-based options like beans, lentils, and tofu.
You can even experiment with different cooking methods, like grilling, roasting, or stir-frying, to make meals more appealing. Keep in mind that some seniors may prefer softer foods that are easier to chew, so ground meats, stews, and blended soups could work well.
Protein Shakes or Smoothies
If your parent struggles to eat enough protein from regular meals, protein shakes or smoothies can be an excellent solution. Some prepared protein drinks have 30 grams of protein or more per shake, with minimal calories and sugar. These drinks are easy to consume and can pack in a lot of nutrients, including protein. Use milk, Greek yogurt, or a protein powder as the base, then add fruits or vegetables for extra vitamins and minerals.
Smoothies are a great way to increase protein intake without feeling like they’re eating a heavy meal. Plus, they’re easy to drink and can be made to taste like a treat.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Black Forest, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Colorado Springs, CO, today. Call (719) 639-2663
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Colorado Springs, CO, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Colorado Springs, Air Force Academy, Black Forest, Cimarron Hills, Fort Carson, Gleneagle, Larkspur, Manitou Springs, Monument, Palmer Lake, Perry Park, Rock Creek Park, Security-Widefield, Stratmoor, and Woodmoor and surrounding areas in Colorado.
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