Five Strategies That Boost Nutrition for Seniors with No Appetite

Most older adults are aware that they no longer need as many calories as they once did. Slower metabolisms and less pursuit of physical activity are just two reasons why seniors tend to eat less. Other reasons why a senior might find it challenging to work up an appetite include side effects of medications, a loss of interest in preparing food, feelings of loneliness or depression, and changes in cognition.

If you are a senior who has been struggling with a low appetite lately, know that you are not alone. It’s common to experience a loss of appetite. However, nutrition is still essential in older age. Every bite must count when a senior is struggling to consume any food. Here are five strategies that can help boost nutrition for seniors with no appetite.

Eat More Frequently

The first strategy to boost nutrition is to eat more frequently throughout the day. Some seniors can feel overwhelmed when offered large portions of food. This is especially true for seniors with dementia. Try consuming smaller meals throughout the day. It can be easier to stomach one hard-boiled egg right now, knowing you can eat a slice of whole-wheat toast later in the morning. Focus more on consuming nutritious food now, rather than preparing and consuming a full meal.

Stock Up on Healthy Snacks

Help boost your appetite by keeping your pantry stocked with nutritious snacks. Then, you’ll always have something healthy you can grab when you feel hungry. Entice your appetite with colorful fruits and vegetables. Leave healthy snacks on your counter, or place sliced fruits and vegetables at eye level in your refrigerator. Seeing colorful, healthy foods is a great way to boost your appetite.

Flavor with Spices

Another strategy to boost nutrition is to make foods more appealing with flavor. Use spices and herbs to season foods that taste bland. Think beyond salt. Experiment with ginger, garlic, cinnamon, or turmeric. For those who enjoy a little heat, try a dash of cayenne pepper. Sprinkle a little spice over foods that lack flavor for you, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Another way to add flavor is through healthy dips, such as hummus, guacamole, pesto, or nut butters. Healthy dips can make bland vegetables or meals more appealing.

Blend a Nutrient-Packed Smoothie

Smoothies make great meal replacements and can contain just as many calories as a regular meal. You can also hide many vegetables in a smoothie, such as kale, spinach, or cucumber. You can also use either fresh or frozen produce, making it extremely easy to prepare. Add a scoop of protein powder for a more significant nutrient boost. Smoothie recipes are also easy to find online. Try experimenting with different flavors and combinations until you’ve found what tastes best to you.

Eat Together

Finally, boost your appetite by dining with others. Social isolation and feelings of loneliness can contribute to a low appetite in seniors. Schedule a weekly lunch date with a friend. If your family lives nearby, plan a weekly dinner night to catch up with everyone. Use technology to dine virtually with a family that lives far away. Viewing meals as a social opportunity instead of a chore can help boost a senior’s interest in food.

One final strategy to boost nutrition for seniors with no appetite is to partner with Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond. 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 escort you to the store to select your preferred foods, or we can do the shopping for you. Our caregivers can then work alongside you in the kitchen and help prepare nutritiously packed snacks and meals that you can have on hand throughout the week. They can even enjoy a meal with you to help boost your appetite. Getting started is as easy as contacting us by calling 804-423-6500.