If you have a senior loved one, you know how important it is that they can eat an easy and balanced diet every day. If they are living on their own or you’re taking care of them in their home, it’s up to the two of you to find heart-healthy options for them to enjoy. We’re here to make it easier by rounding up some great food choices for your senior loved one!
Heart Healthy Foods for Seniors
Eating a fresh, balanced diet is the best option for seniors looking to keep their hearts healthy. Some foods are well known for being great for your heart and easy to prepare, making them great choices to keep in the kitchen.
Oats
Oats are a popular option for breakfast because they’re relatively easy to make and are high in both protein and fiber. When you eat oats, you’re left feeling full longer, which leaves you less likely to overeat. Plus, the soluble fiber in oatmeal is great for managing cholesterol, which is another step to keeping your heart healthy.
Green Tea
The antioxidants in green tea have proven to keep our arteries flexible for longer than they would without the drink. When your arteries are flexible, they’re less susceptible to plaque build-up, keeping blood flowing through your heart as it should.
Berries
Berries offer lots of fiber and antioxidants, both of which are key to a healthy heart. Make sure your senior has access to strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries regularly!
Salmon
The omega-3s in salmon help slow down the hardening of your arteries. As your arteries stay softer, you’ll have a healthier heart because it’s able to function as it’s supposed to. Salmon is also proven to lower triglycerides, which will keep your heart performing better as well.
Beans
Kidney beans and black beans are both great for heart health. These beans provide B vitamins, fiber, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium. All these nutrients are key to keeping your heart working as it should.
Almonds and Walnuts
Nuts make a great snack or addition to many meals. Both almonds and walnuts provide you with fiber, vitamin E, polyunsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids. These are all connected to helping your heart stay healthy as you age.
Meal Plan Ideas for Heart Healthy Seniors
Are you looking for easy meals for your senior loved one to enjoy that are both delicious and heart-healthy? Here are some quick options to get you started.
Breakfast
Protein is crucial in breakfast. Consider some of these easy options:
Oatmeal with berries
Hard-boiled eggs
Whole grain waffles
Yogurt parfaits with nuts and berries
Lunch
Lunch is a great time to pack in many vegetables that can help keep your heart strong. Consider these easy lunches:
Quinoa salad with stir-fry vegetables and nuts
Scrambled eggs with red potatoes
Salmon wrap with avocado and tomato
Dinner
It’s better to stick with meats and vegetables for dinner, focusing on lower calories and higher fats. Here are some simple options:
Baked or grilled salmon
Lamb and red potatoes
Beans and rice
Southwest chicken salad
Takeaway
A healthy diet is crucial to keeping the heart of your senior loved one healthy. If the idea of handling a heart-healthy diet becomes overwhelming, consider contacting LiveWell Placements. Our team can help match you with an in-home caregiver who’s trained in providing healthy meals for senior citizens, allowing you to have less stress about your loved one’s care.
If you are looking for a senior living facility for someone in your life, consider contacting LiveWell Placements to take the stress out of the process We help place seniors in assisted living facilities in Fort Lauderdale, nursing homes in Fort Lauderdale, Assisted living in Delray Beach, and Senior Living in Boca Raton. No matter what you are looking for, we want to make sure we find the perfect home - because the right home really matters. LiveWell ensures that you find the right living solution with the right amenities and features. Call today or check out our unique approach here - or find out all the services we offer on this page to get started.
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