Nutritious Autumn Foods Every Senior Should Include on Their Plate

Many older adults struggle to consume essential nutrients, especially during fall and winter when most fresh fruits and vegetables are not in season. However, eating a healthy diet is a critical component of healthy aging. Nutrient-rich foods can prevent chronic illness, such as cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. Every calorie counts when it comes to supporting an older adult’s overall health.

Although it may seem that all fruits and vegetables are no longer in-season, numerous produces makes their debut in the fall. Use the remainder of autumn to revise your menu, ensuring you consume the nutrients you need. Here are four nutritious autumn foods every senior should include on their plate.

Apples

Apples are filled with health benefits/ They are an excellent source of antioxidants and immune-boosting vitamin C. They help regulate blood sugar, making them a perfect snack for diabetics. They can even help prevent type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss. They support digestion and can help relieve constipation. Their high water content makes them an excellent source of water. Eating apples may even help improve the health of your gums. Fill your fruit bowl with apples this autumn and snack on them throughout the day. If biting into an apple is a challenge for you, slice them instead. Dip them in peanut butter to add more protein to your diet. Make your own applesauce and enjoy the aroma of cinnamon and apples.

Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts are low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them an excellent side dish for dinner. Also rich in antioxidants, Brussel sprouts help protect against cancer, osteoporosis, and chronic inflammation. They are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Include Brussel sprouts on your menu a few times a week. Flavor them with a dash of your favorite spices, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Then roast them in the oven or sauté them on the stovetop.

Squash

Squash is another autumn food packed with nutrition, including many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Consuming squash helps lower your risk for heart disease while supporting your cognitive health. Because of its high fiber content, squash can help with weight loss. Add more squash to your diet this autumn by swapping pasta noodles for zucchini noodles. Spaghetti squash also makes the perfect noodle substitution. Roast a spaghetti squash in the oven, then use a fork to scrape the strands. Try a squash-based soup this autumn, such as butternut squash soup or acorn squash soup.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are surprisingly nutritious. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants. They help support gut health, healthy vision, and the immune system. In addition, the nutrients found in sweet potatoes have cancer-fighting properties and can even enhance your cognitive health. Be sure to add sweet potatoes to your menu this autumn. Swap a regular potato for a sweet potato in any of your favorite potato dishes.

Visiting Angels Oshkosh understands the many challenges seniors face when it comes to eating a healthy diet. We’re here to help. One of the many elder care services we offer is meal planning and preparation. Our professional caregivers can work with you to create a tasty menu filled with nutritious foods. They can then help you place an online grocery order, escort you to the store, or do the shopping for you. Once you have your groceries, they can work alongside you in your kitchen to help you prepare healthy meals that can be rewarmed throughout the week. If you could benefit from home elder care provided by Visiting Angels, please get in touch with us today by calling 920-312-7000.