Age takes a toll on many aspects of the body including the ability to taste. A decrease in the ability to taste means that food will be less tasty or sweet. That can have a damaging impact on one’s appetite making them consume lesser food. Keep in mind that food provides nutritional nourishment to the body. Therefore, eating less food is unhealthy as it affects immunity thus making the elderly susceptible to ailments.
Adding more flavor to food makes it more palatable. Caregivers stationed in communities that offer assisted living in Corrales, NM prepare meals with flavoring agents like fat, sugar, and salt to make them tasty. Let us look at more ways to make food flavorful for older adults.
Incorporate More Vegetables
Vegetables come in handy when it comes to sweetening food. The elderly tend to have a penchant for sweet food owing to their slow eating pace. Eating and munching their food slowly means that they will have to taste the flavors in the food for a longer period. That is why most of them happen to prefer sweet unhealthy treats to healthy and nutritious meals.
Older adults in assisted living communities are served meals that are rich in organic sugar from vegetables. Preparing dishes with bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and carrots can help to satisfy their sweet tooth without triggering any medical conditions related to processed sugars.
Try Different Textures
Food texture has a significant impact on the kind of flavors that it brings out. Additionally, the texture of a given meal determines the quantity that older adults are likely to consume. Older adults tend to prefer soft foods to their hard counterparts. This is because soft meals require minimal effort to chew or swallow.
Senior living factors this consideration into their meal preparation process to provide residents with meals that are more palatable and flavorful too. Numerous dishes can fall into the category of soft foods. That includes softened vegetable chunks or pasta-infused salads. Mashed potatoes are also an excellent choice for elderly individuals.
Use Herbs for Added Flavor
A pinch of salt may be sufficient in flavoring different meals but is not the only alternative. There are other healthier ways to make regular meals flavorful. One method that is efficient in adding flavor to meals is by utilizing herbs. Not only will the herbs make your food more flavorful but they are also known for their rich health benefits.
For instance, rosemary comes packed with anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants which help to enhance blood circulation and amplify the immune system. The herb is also an excellent cognitive stimulant that enhances memory performance making it great for older adults. Some of the commonly used herbs and spices include rosemary, oregano, and cilantro.
Nutritious and Yummy Meals for Older Adults
Salt is not the only way to make food tasty. You can increase food flavor by using many other methods as highlighted above. Older adults tend to eat more portions of flavored food which is crucial in satisfying their nutritional requirements and keeping them healthy.
