Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, good food. But if you have an elderly family member, it can be a little more challenging when it comes to preparing a meal. The traditional Thanksgiving dishes oftentimes contain excessive fat and sugar, which may not fit into their diet.
This year, consider these five healthy Thanksgiving meal ideas that will make your elderly loved one feel special while still enjoying the holiday festivities. From tempting side dishes to delicious desserts, we’ve got you covered!
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a healthy yet delicious Thanksgiving dish for seniors. Vegetables, such as brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, and squash, are all a great source of vitamins, minerals, fibers, and antioxidants—all of which are the essential nutrients that your older family member need. In addition, roasting vegetables will help to preserve more nutrients than boiling them. Roasted veggies also tend to have very low saturated fat and calories. This makes them a healthy choice for seniors who are trying to avoid consuming unhealthy fat. So, if you're looking for a healthy Thanksgiving meal for seniors, roasted vegetables are a great option!
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Turkey is a staple at most Thanksgiving dinners. The good news is, turkey is a lean protein that is packed with nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, and zinc. Even though turkey is healthier than red meat, it still contains a considerable amount of saturated fat that can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease, especially if consuming the skin.
If you are serving turkey to your elder relatives this year, try to opt for the breast. Turkey breast contains lesser fat and calories than other cuts of meat. Natural and pasture-raised turkey is also a healthier option than processed turkey products as the meat has not been added with artificial ingredients and preservatives. Serving it roasted with fresh herbs, such as lemon, rosemary, and sage, will help keep most of the nutrients intact without compromising the delicious taste.
Real Cranberry Sauce
You’ll have healthy homemade cranberry sauce on your Thanksgiving table to enjoy with the whole family with just a few main ingredients: real cranberries, water, and natural sweeteners or honey. Cranberries are high in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage that can lead to heart disease and cancer.
They are also full of Proanthocyanidins (PACs), which can help reduce age-related and chronic disease inflammation. Not only that, cranberries have other health benefits, including preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and improving the digestive system and metabolism, making it an excellent Thanksgiving side dish for older adults.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes are a popular Thanksgiving side dish for a good reason – they’re delicious! But did you know that mashed sweet potatoes are also a healthy option for seniors?
Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, which helps boost the immune system and reduce cancer risks. Mashed sweet potatoes can be made with simple ingredients, including unsalted butter, fresh rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper, making them a versatile and easy side dish for the holidays.
Baked Apples
Baked apples offer a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional Thanksgiving desserts. Apples are known to ease symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss conditions in aging adults. An apple’s fiber can also help with digestion and lower cholesterol levels.
In addition, apples can help to regulate blood sugar levels, making them a good choice for seniors who are diabetic or pre-diabetic. Baked apples are also very easy to digest, which is important for seniors who may have trouble digesting heavier foods.
Preparing Thanksgiving dishes that are both healthy and tasty for your elderly family members doesn’t have to be difficult. Our healthy Thanksgiving dish ideas above will have their elderly taste buds singing with joy, and they’re all easy to make. You can also check out our blog post on Thanksgiving activity ideas to do with your aging loved one.
Eating healthy should be a habit for seniors, regardless of the time of year. That’s why family members and caregivers play a big part in what kind of food graces the table of the elderly every day.
Home Instead can help you with that because our senior helpers in Lafayette, LA, will help seniors prepare their meals and get them in the habit of healthy dieting. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation care consultation to learn how our services will benefit you and your whole family!
We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
