Any time one decides to make a healthy change to their diet, there is one recommendation that comes up without fail: eat more fruits and vegetables. Thankfully, this time of year, eating fresh produce is easier than ever. In September, you can reap the benefits of both summer and fall crops, making fresh cooking for seniors with fresh fruits and vegetables easy.
Try these recipes to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals—and for peak freshness, head to your local farmer’s market. Not only will you be supporting local businesses, but you’ll be consuming higher-quality goods.
What is in season right now?
To incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals, you have to make a plan. Knowing what produce is in season right now will help you choose recipes to take advantage of the season. When you or your caregiver run to the market, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
- Vegetables: Salad greens, spinach, leeks, green beans, cucumber, squash, beets, turnips, corn
- Fruits: Apples, grapes, pears, raspberries, peaches tomatoes
Fresh cooking for seniors
Eating more fruits and vegetables can be more fun than having fruit salad or raw vegetables with dip. Get excited about eating produce again by trying some of these easy, delicious recipes.
Tomato tart
With their high amounts of vitamins that support the immune system, improve eye health, and reduce rates of heart disease, fresh tomatoes are fantastic for older adults. Highlight the fruit (yes, they’re a fruit!) in this delicious pizza alternative. Layer sliced tomato and onion over defrosted puff pastry, then top with your favorite cheese and fresh herbs. For additional protein in your tomato tart, add sliced chicken.
Roasted root vegetables
If you’re a fan of root vegetables, try this recipe for seniors. Cut up your favorites (such as sweet potatoes, beets, turnips, leeks, radishes, and carrots), then season them with salt, pepper, and herbs, and roast them. It’s truly that simple to have a delicious side to your next meal. They can easily be cooked alongside something else on a sheet pan, making dinner quick and easy.
Corn, avocado, and tomato salad
For a light and fresh salad that goes with just about any main dish, try this corn, avocado, and tomato salad. Packed full of fresh ingredients, the easy meal comes together in a matter of minutes and could be a great lunch idea for seniors. Even better than the delicious taste? How high in vitamins and minerals and how low in calories it is.
Grilled peaches (or nectarines) with burrata and honey
It can sometimes be difficult to think of how one can use fruits in a way that isn’t dessert. Grilled peaches with burrata and honey, however, completely transform the sweet peaches into a delicious, interesting side. It perfectly balances sweetness and salt in an addictive combination. Just be mindful of the size of your slice of cheese.
Apple coleslaw
While this may seem like an unorthodox combination, apples give coleslaw an extra dimension of flavor. The dish also uses other seasonal flavors, such as carrots and bell peppers, so you can make the most of the season.
Add this slaw to a burger, or enjoy it alongside your favorite grilled dish. Some reviews do highlight, however, that this recipe can taste a bit sweet. You may want to use less sugar than the recipe calls for, or use more sour apples to balance the flavor.
Seasonal eating with the help of an at-home caregiver
You may want to enjoy fresh cooking for seniors with fresh fruits and vegetables, but doing so might not be as easy as it once was. Cooking might be an exhausting endeavor, and running errands could be difficult due to mobility issues.
Whatever the problem is, an at-home caregiver can help. At Home Care Powered by AUAF, our staff gladly assists with any and all non-medical activities of daily living you require help with. This allows you to live confidently in the comfort of your own home.
For more information on our services, call us at 773-274-9262. We would be happy to help.
