5 HEALTHY THANKSGIVING MEALS FOR SENIORS

As a national holiday that is based on expressing appreciation for a wide variety of blessings, Thanksgiving also is known for other traditions that include the Macy’s Parade in New York City and three National Football League games that feature the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions. Thanksgiving also is renowned across the United States for a menu fit for a king and queen that packs the pounds.

As we grow older, our nutritional and caloric intake needs change. At our senior housing facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, we account for the culinary changes by creating meals that match the lifestyles of older residents. Does this mean seniors staying at an assisted living facility in Rio Rancho have to forgo the traditional Thanksgiving meal? The answer is no, if you prepare a meal with many of the same dishes minus the unhealthy ingredients.

Let’s take a look at five healthy Thanksgiving meals for seniors.

Roast Turkey

While science continues its quest to determine whether turkey makes you sleepy, there is no debate as to the protein’s popularity as the centerpiece of Thanksgiving meals. Turkey is a healthy protein for seniors, if it does not contain stuffing or is doused with a glaze. Prepare a roast turkey without adding any salt, as well as change out traditional carb-rich stuffing for nutrient-rich fruits such as apples and oranges.

Sweet Potatoes

Turkey served alone does not wreck a senior’s diet, but a whopping serving of mashed potatoes drenched in butter sends a Thanksgiving meal off the healthy meal chart. You can still get your potato fix at Thanksgiving by serving sweet potatoes, without the common additions of butter and sugar. Sweet potatoes enhance the digestive process, as well as provide high amounts of vitamins A and C.

Mashed Cauliflower

Another stand-in for mashed potatoes is a bowl full of mashed cauliflower. This much healthier alternative to buttered mashed potatoes is rich in fiber content, as well as delivers a healthy dose of magnesium and potassium. Seniors also receive plenty of vitamins C and K. Top this dish with an herb like rosemary and sprinkle a bit of low-fat Parmesan cheese to make it the new Thanksgiving comfort food.

Green Bean Casserole

Incorporating a cream-based sauce and sprinkling fried onions over the top of a green bean casserole is what makes the traditional Thanksgiving dish unhealthy. Incorporate whole wheat flour and reduced fat milk to form the base of your Thanksgiving meal green bean casserole, as well as top this dish with freshly chopped onions and sliced mushrooms.

Pumpkin Pie

Does serving a healthy meal at a senior housing center in Rio Rancho mean removing traditional pumpkin pie from the menu? It does mean that if you bake a pumpkin pie with too much sugar and add a whopping portion of whipped cream. Use crushed pecans to form the pie crust, and then combine skim milk with an egg substitute to transform an unhealthy dessert into a heart-healthy last Thanksgiving course.

At the MorningStar assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, we take the health of our residents seriously. Learn more about the diet and nutrition focus of our menus, including the meals served at Thanksgiving, by contacting one of our senior care specialists.