VISITING ANGELS RICHMOND, VA 804-353-0000
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Five Nutritious Autumn Foods for Seniors

It’s important for older adults to make every bite count. Not only will choosing nutrition foods help with the aging process but eating healthy can prevent chronic illness such as cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. In addition to preventing chronic illnesses, older adults should be aware that their bodies no longer absorb key nutrients as it once did when they were younger. Therefore, every calorie older adults consume should be packed with nutrition in order to support their overall health.

If you are an older adult who is struggling with nutrition, use this autumn season to revise your menu. Here are five nutritious autumn foods to help you meet your nutrition goals.

Squash
Squash is packed with nutrition and are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They can help lower the risk for heart disease while supporting cognitive health. Squash can even help with weight loss as they are low in calories and high in fiber. Add more squash to your diet this autumn by swapping pasta noodles for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash by roasting the spaghetti squash and using a fork to scrape the strands. You can also try a squash-based soup, such as butternut squash soup or acorn squash soup. Let’s not forget about pumpkins either. Bake a pumpkin bread instead of reaching for a slice of pumpkin pie, or try making your own pumpkin hummus.

Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are surprisingly nutritious, packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals and 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. Swap a regular potato for a sweet potato in any of your favorite potato dishes.

Apples
Another excellent source of antioxidants and immune boosting vitamin C, apples are filled with health benefits. 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. Apples are great source of water as well and can help improve the health of gums. If you struggle to bite into an apple, try slicing them instead. You can also dip them in peanut butter to add more protein to your diet. Make your own applesauce and enjoy the aroma of cinnamon and apples. It only takes one apple a day to improve your health.

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. You can roast them in the oven or sauté them on the stove. Add a little olive oil and seasoning or mix them in with your favorite pasta dish.

Beets
Beets are filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. They also support digestion and cognitive health. Beets are low in calories and high in water, making them a great food to support weight loss. Try grating beets into a salad or steam them and served as a side dish.

If you are an older who struggles with nutrition, know that Visiting Angels Richmond is here to help. We provide meal planning and preparation as one of our senior home care services. Our caregivers can work with you to create a menu that is appealing to you. We can then help you to place an online grocery order so that healthy foods are delivered right to your door. We’ll also work alongside you in the kitchen and help prepare nutritiously packed snacks and meals that you can have on hand throughout the week. Getting started is easy. Simply contact us today by calling 804-396-6554.

Serving communities in the Metro Richmond Area including Richmond, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Henrico & Hanover Counties

Visiting Angels RICHMOND, VA
4914 Radford Ave #211
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-353-0000

Serving communities in the Metro Richmond Area including Richmond, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Henrico & Hanover Counties

Visiting Angels RICHMOND, VA
4914 Radford Ave #211
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-353-0000