Because people sometimes eat less as they age, it’s important for seniors to make sure every bite contains valuable nutrients. Soy provides lean protein and many other nutrients and can make a healthy replacement for some less nutritious foods. When providing care for your elderly loved one, here are a few ways you can include soy in his or her diet.
Tofu for Breakfast
Though this can vary from person to person, most seniors should aim to eat between 40-55 grams of protein each day. Starting the day off with a high-protein meal can help your loved one get the energy he or she needs to function well.
Although some people claim they don’t like tofu, it can be seasoned to take on a variety of flavors, and there are many ways to prepare it that may please even the pickiest senior. For instance, cooking crumbled firm tofu with chopped bell peppers and onions can serve as a low-cholesterol replacement for scrambled eggs. Color the tofu with a little turmeric and cumin to make it look and taste similar to an egg dish.
Soy Smoothies for Lunch
Using soy milk instead of dairy milk in smoothies reduces your loved one’s intake of saturated fat and cholesterol and replaces it with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Those elements can lower triglycerides and “bad” cholesterol levels. Add a scoop of soy butter for extra protein.
It may be challenging to monitor your loved one’s diet as closely as you’d like. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Lifestar Home Care , a leading provider of in-home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Edamame for a Snack
Edamame, young soybeans that are still in the pods, can be eaten fresh as a snack at any time of day. One cup of shelled edamame contains 376 calories, 33 grams of protein, and 500 grams of calcium. Research shows soybeans provide the necessary calcium to maintain bone health in seniors.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving Llive-in Care. Oklahoma City, OK, Lifestar Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Soy Burgers for Dinner
Instead of beef, your loved one can eat a meatless burger for dinner. Burgers made from soy often incorporate other healthy sources of protein and fiber, such as black beans or whole grains. Soy can strengthen blood vessels, making them more resistant to cholesterol deposits and lowering blood pressure.
Making sure seniors get proper nutrition is one of the most important ways to help them stay healthy, and some seniors may need help maintaining a nutritious diet. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Lifestar Home Care , a leading provider of Home Care Oklahoma City families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Whether your parent needs minor help with daily tasks or extensive 24-hour care, give us a call today.