Healthy Fall Foods for Seniors (and Care Providers!)
Fall is the most beautiful time of year for many Americans. It’s also one of the most delicious. Harvest season is a time of abundance, with many of our country’s tastiest staples in season. For those of us in the senior care industry, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to get seniors eating healthier. Simply put, there are all kinds of healthy fall foods for seniors. Senior Healthy Eating this Fall
And of course, it’s not just seniors who benefit from harvest season. Even senior care providers — whether you’re a family caregiver or a care professional — can enjoy the benefits of healthy fall eating.
“Healthy fall eating is a win-win for those of us in the senior care industry,” says Larry Meigs, President and CEO of national senior care network Visiting Angels. “For our clients, healthy fall foods are a perfect way to improve their health and quality of life. For us senior care providers, harvest eating is a great way to gain healthy energy and get the nutrients we need to give the best care possible.”
Our Healthiest Fall Food Picks
There are so many healthy fall foods for seniors that it’s tough to even narrow down the list. But after much deliberation (and snacking) our senior care experts picked eight of our favorite foods for seniors and care providers: Senior Healthy Eating this Fall
- The quintessential fall fruit, apples can be tricky eating for seniors with dentures or sensitive gums and teeth. But apples are also packed with antioxidants, fiber, and flavor. Consider recipes that soften apples for seniors with chewing difficulties.
- A sweet and nutty root vegetable that comes with plenty of potassium and fiber, helping maintain your cardiovascular and digestive system.
- Winter Squash. Sweet and easy to eat, this might be the perfect fall root vegetable. Rich in vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, winter squash will keep your bones and your brain healthy.
- Pears are another fiber-rich food, but these sweet tree fruits are also brimming with vitamin C, helping bolster the immune system through the worst of cold and flu season.
- Skip the cheese sauce in favor of roasted garlic seasoning. Or puree cauliflower for a great soup base. Either way, your body will thank you for the vitamin C boost from this tasty broccoli relative.
- Brussel Sprouts. Their slight bitterness makes them a tough sell for kids, but us adults know that Brussel sprouts are as delicious as they are healthy. Folate, iron, and high amounts of Vitamin K mean these leafy green bitefuls can boost your cardiovascular health.
- Sweet Potatoes. Roasted sweet potatoes with a little bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt are a true fall treat. Better yet, they come packed with vitamin A and iron.
- Technically, pumpkin is a type of winter squash. But this fall staple deserves its own category for its excellent fiber content along with plenty of potassium and vitamin B. And don’t throw away those seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are a perfect source of healthy protein.
At Visiting Angels, we’re passionate about keeping seniors healthy. Whether it’s recommending healthy fall foods for seniors, giving our clients a helping hand around the house, or providing seniors with companionship, our senior care services have been helping seniors live healthier, happier lives since 1998. To connect with a senior care provider in your area, call us today at 1-800-365-4189 or look up your local senior care provider online.