6 Summer Meals for Seniors — Assisted Living that Creates a True "Home"

As we grow older, diet and nutrition play increasingly important roles in helping us maintain healthy lifestyles. Unfortunately, seniors start to lose interest in what they eat due to a decrease in appetite, as well as the diminishing senses of taste and smell. When summer rolls around in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area, maintaining a diet that consists of the right amount of vitamins and minerals can be difficult to do because of the incredible heat.

At our senior living community in Phoenix, diet and nutrition play an integral role in creating 6 summer meals for seniors that generate universal appeal.

Sandwiches

Light, yet filling sandwiches represent the perfect alternative to a hot meal served on a scorching hot desert day. High in antioxidants, nutrient-packed salmon represents the ideal feature for a sandwich. Egg salad is another nutritious option for a sandwich, as eggs contain beneficial minerals such as zinc and iron, as well as vitamins, A, B12, and D. Tuna has a similar nutrition profile as salmon, as both types of seafood contain plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. Ham, which is packed with protein and calcium, is the centerpiece of the popular ham and cheese sandwich.

Salads

To retain energy while cooling off from a mid-summer day, enjoying a fresh salad for lunch is the way to go. Salads can be basic such as a Greek salad or as exotic as a spiced chicken and pineapple salad. The key is to incorporate ingredients that contain high levels of helpful vitamins and minerals such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Soups

Serving soup on a blazing hot desert summer day seems counterintuitive. However, soup is much more than a body-warming winter dish. Soups like summer vegetable minestrone deliver a high level of nutritional value, without packing on pounds. One of the many appeals of soup is you can portion and freeze batches for future consumption.

Cold Chicken Pasta Salad

Using whole wheat pasta, which is a complex carbohydrate, you can enjoy a full-of-fiber dish that takes just a short time to make. The release of fiber slowly generates energy over an extended period to keep older adults on their feet throughout the day. Chicken represents the ideal protein counterpart for this chilled recipe.

Spanish Omelet

This summer meal for seniors can be served any time of day, such as the main course at breakfast or a late-in-the-day snack that provides plenty of calories. A Spanish omelet requires only five ingredients that include vitamin and mineral-packed eggs. You can eat this meal hot or cold, as well as incorporate a wide variety of vegetables to combine with your favorite protein source. The omelet also pairs well with a fresh fruit salad.

Broccoli, Boiled Potatoes, and Sausage Rolls

The last meal on our summer list for seniors covers many of the nutrition bases. Broccoli is a great source of iron, vitamin K, and fiber, while potatoes deliver ample amounts of potassium and vitamin C. To make this meal feel more like a summer dish, you can serve the sausage rolls cold and serve a healthy side salad. If you want to serve each element of the meal cold, you have to prepare each element in advance for storage in a refrigerator.Learn more about the healthy summer meals served at our assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ by scheduling a free guided tour.