Five Strategies That Boost Nutrition for Seniors with No Appetite
For seniors who have difficulty eating, nutrition can be a difficult challenge. However, without a healthy diet, many don’t get the necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary to stay healthy. And without adequate nutrition, seniors can be vulnerable to health issues such as weakened bones, infections, and increased risk of death and hospitalization.
Fortunately, there are a few strategies that seniors and their caregivers can employ to ensure they stay healthy, energetic, and feel their best.
Here are five strategies that boost nutrition for seniors with no appetite.
1. Incorporate flavorful foods
Flavorful foods can increase the appeal of meals to seniors who don’t have a large appetite. Try adding spices or herbs to food, such as garlic, paprika, and basil. In addition, condiments like salsa, mustard, and chutney can make meals more flavorful. Just be sure they don’t contain too much salt or sugar.
Additionally, adding fruits or vegetables with a naturally sweet flavor, like apples, carrots, and beets, can make meals seem more enjoyable.
2. Offer smaller portions
If a senior with a low appetite is presented with a large plate of food and feels pressured to eat it, they may become overwhelmed and end up not eating anything. To make meals more manageable, try offering smaller portions that are easy to eat in one sitting.
Breaking up meals throughout the day and offering snacks in between can also help boost nutrition in seniors with low appetites.
3. Make meals visually attractive
For many seniors, switching to softer foods or blended foods can be a difficult adjustment. However, making food look visually appealing can make it seem more enjoyable and less intimidating. For example, brightly colored vegetables, fruits, and salads can add visual appeal to meals. Also, arranging the food on the plate in an appetizing manner can help draw attention to the meal and encourage seniors to eat.
With soups or similar dishes, using a bowl that contrasts the color of the food can create a more attractive presentation.
4. Try Nutrient-Dense Foods
Seniors with low appetites may not get adequate nutrition when they don’t eat enough. To make sure that every bite counts, don’t waste calories on low-nutrient foods.
Instead, focus on nutrient-dense options such as:
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Fruits and vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Beans, lentils, and other legumes
- Lean proteins such as fish
- Whole grains, like quinoa and brown rice
- Fortified cereals
Smoothies and other healthy beverages can also be great nutrient-dense choices for seniors without much of an appetite. Plus, having a liquid alternative to solid foods can make eating easier for seniors with dental issues.
5. Make Mealtime Enjoyable
When mealtime becomes a stressful experience, it becomes much less appealing. To make meals more enjoyable, try creating a pleasant atmosphere and providing opportunities for socialization.
Try setting the table with placemats to help seniors feel comfortable and at home. Also, providing a variety of options that are easy to eat can make it easier for seniors to make choices. Once you become aware of their favorite foods, what times of the day they prefer to eat, and their other preferences, you can present them with food options they enjoy most.
Final Thoughts
Making mealtime a positive and fun experience helps seniors get the nutrition they need. By encouraging them to try new flavors and textures and making mealtime enjoyable, you can guarantee your senior loved one receives the food they need to survive and thrive.
At Visiting Angels Pittsburgh, PA, our professional caregivers are here to relieve mealtime stress. Contact us online or call 412-343-1515 today to learn more about our home care services.