Salads can be easily prepared, and they rarely contain cooked ingredients. When created using the right fruits and vegetables, salads can be beneficial for health. Here are a few nutritious salads your elderly loved one is sure to enjoy.
1. Crab Salad
Combine diced crab meat with chopped tomatoes, corn, onion, and dill for a delicious dish that provides 14 percent of an older adult’s recommended daily allowance for protein. Create a tangy dressing from olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and mustard. The tomatoes contain lycopene, which is known to protect the skin. The ingredients also provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids that protect nerve cells and the cardiovascular system. The fiber in the vegetables promotes gastrointestinal health by preventing constipation.
Eating nutritious salads is just one of the many ways aging adults can boost their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Ruby Red Layered Salad
To prepare a ruby red layered salad, simply combine diced red beets with pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans or walnuts. Drizzle a raspberry vinaigrette over the top for a delicious and healthy treat. A ruby red layered salad supplies a senior with vitamin C, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber.
3. Fajita Salad
A fajita salad provides an abundance of protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Top off a bed of leafy greens with diced chicken breast, chopped onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Add some low-fat shredded cheese, then finish the dish with some guacamole and salsa. For extra protein and fiber, serve the salad with rice or on a whole-grain tortilla.
Some older adults require assistance with meal prep. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of respite care. Columbia seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable home caregivers.
4. Green Strawberry Salad
A green strawberry salad begins with a bed of watercress and baby spinach. Top with diced red onions, sliced strawberries, quinoa, and chopped nuts. Drizzle the plate with a dressing made from honey, red vinegar, and olive oil. The greens and strawberries provide fiber and vitamin C along with calcium and iron. The veggies offer antioxidant protection against cancer, and they also contain anti-inflammatory properties. The nuts and olive oil supply omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Mediterranean Salad
Simply combine cooked quinoa with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, and diced bell peppers. Sprinkle generous amounts of feta cheese over the mixture. Create a light dressing using olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and a dash of sea salt. A Mediterranean salad provides protein and fiber in addition to B complex vitamins that are vital for nerve cell health. The magnesium-rich veggies promote muscle function and overall health.
6. Fruity Sea Salad
On a bed of leafy greens, add precooked shrimp, diced onions, mandarin oranges, sliced strawberries, sliced grapes, and diced avocado. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette if desired. A fruity sea salad is a rich source of fiber, protein, calcium, vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Eating salads is one of the healthiest lifestyle choices for older adults. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care. Columbia Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call one of our friendly Care Managers today.
