Seniors’ nutritional requirements and appetites frequently change as the years pass by, which might necessitate a transition to making smaller meals and eating more frequently. This can be a hard transition for seniors who are used to cooking more at a time. However, if they can make the shift, they can save money on groceries and waste less food. Additionally, with the support of senior home care services, they can also learn how to make their smaller meals healthier.
Understanding the Need to Transition to Smaller Meals
The transition to smaller meals can happen for a variety of reasons. First, they may be the only ones in the home now, or their significant other might not be able to eat the same meals. Second, the need to maintain a healthy weight may be the driving force behind the transition because seniors often require fewer calories due to slowed metabolism. Finally, some seniors may simply notice they’re not eating as much as they used to because of changes in taste or digestion.
Whatever the reason, figuring out what is best and creating a plan takes a collaborative effort from loved ones and senior home care.
Benefits of Smaller Meals
While the transition may take some getting used to, there are quite a few benefits seniors gain from smaller meals, other than spending less money and discarding less food. Those benefits include the following:
- Better Digestion: Whether digestion issues were the reason for the change or not, seniors will notice less discomfort and problems like indigestion and bloating when eating smaller meals.
- Improved Nutrition: Concentrating on smaller meals gives seniors more control over their nutritional value, making it easier to ensure that every meal is healthy.
- Increased Free Time: Between spending less time shopping, cooking, and eating, seniors free themselves up to enjoy other things, like taking a walk or reading a book. It might not seem like much, but those added minutes can add up.
- Easier to Handle Cookware: When cooking smaller meals, seniors can transition to smaller cookware, which is typically lighter as well. This is good for seniors with arthritis or mobility issues. In addition, they may be able to make use of a variety of appliances, such as a toaster oven or small crockpot.
Tips for Making the Switch to Smaller Meals Easier
Senior home care can help seniors keep meals varied and well-balanced by helping them create a weekly meal plan with a range of foods. With the list in hand, seniors can stick to only the things they need. This becomes even easier if senior home care does the grocery shopping for them. Other tips are explored below.
- Cook foods that are easy to reheat and reuse. For instance, seniors might cook an extra chicken breast and use one for their lunch and one for their dinner, with different sides.
- Focus on making meals satisfying by using spices and herbs to get the best taste.
- Use an app to reduce the serving size of well-loved recipes.
As mentioned, there are a variety of reasons why seniors may need to transition to smaller meals, but with the help of senior home care and loved ones, the shift can be easy and enjoyable.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in St. Louis, MO, please contact the caring staff at Pear Tree Home Care today! (314) 942-9411
Pear Tree Home Care Provides Senior Home Care Services in St. Louis, Ladue, Chesterfield, Town and Country, Clayton, Des Peres, St. Charles, Wildwood, Brentwood, Maryland Heights, Lake St. Louis, O’Fallon, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Arnold, Oakville, Mehlville, Creve Coeur, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, Warren County, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas.
Sources:
- https://www.brookdale.com/en/brookdale-life/blogs/2023/03/downsize-cooking-il.html
- https://lareshomecare.com/six-ways-to-help-seniors-deal-with-the-challenges-of-cooking/
- https://www.vivehealth.com/blogs/resources/meal-prepping-tips-for-seniors
At Pear Tree we’re innovators. Our goal, to create a family of caregivers looking to provide a one of a kind experience to our clientele.
In 2016, our founders noticed a key problem in home care industry that everyone seemed to be ignoring.
It’s too systematic. Home care isn’t one size fits all. Just like people aren’t one size fits all.
That’s where Pear Tree comes in.
We yearn for you to have the best possible care for your loved ones and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they aren’t only in good hands. They’re in great hands. Because, in the end, that’s what we’d want for our family.
It’s proven. When the home care experience is immersive and personalized, you’re going to produce better success rates with healthier family members.
Please, join us in our journey of revolutionizing the home care industry and creating lasting relationships along the way.
This is not the first Home Care agency for Pat, she was the Director of nursing for Kimberly Nurses in 1980 and after the tragic passing of the companies president she opened and co-founded American Nursing Resources Home Health Agency. Pat opened and passed Medicare certification for ANRHHA Clayton and Washington, MO offices.
For Zachary, the name “Pear Tree” is a tribute to his beloved late friend; Wade Abbadessa. Wade worked at his family’s famous restaurant “The Pear Tree” in Macon, until his tragic death in September 2014. Wade lost his battle with a rare form of bone cancer at the young age of 26. His legacy will live on through our company.
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