How to Create High Calorie Meals for Seniors

Some seniors just don’t eat enough calories throughout the day to maintain a healthy weight. Boosting calorie intake doesn’t have to mean that seniors completely change their diets, though. Personal care at home can help seniors incorporate simple, gentle changes that make meals nutritious, delicious, and provide the calories seniors need.

Add Extras to Favorite Foods

When seniors have favorite meals already, it makes sense to just make additions to those instead of trying new recipes. Adding nuts or cheese to a dish boosts the calorie content, but they also add nutrients that seniors need. Some of these additions can also make the foods tastier. Home care providers can make suggestions that fit with existing preferences.

Go with Richer Dairy Options

If seniors already enjoy and can tolerate dairy foods, switching to higher fat versions can easily add a few calories without making big changes to seniors’ overall diets. Whole fat Greek yogurt offers lots of protein, and the increased fat improves satiety while adding calories seniors might need. There might be other options that seniors enjoy as well, like 4% cottage cheese instead of 2%.

Try Higher Calorie Proteins

Protein is incredibly important for seniors. Slightly fattier cuts of meat or fish can add some calories, while also helping seniors get more of the nutrients they need. Fish is particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps with joint pain, brain health, and other issues, too. Personal care at home can help seniors choose proteins that offer them the protein they need, but also offer higher calorie counts.

Include Calorie-dense Beverages

Sometimes seniors don’t enjoy eating more food, but they can add a calorie-dense beverage to their daily routines. Smoothies or milkshakes that are high in protein, antioxidants, and other nutrients can also offer a calorie boost. They’re also easy for many seniors to tolerate and get down, even if eating doesn’t feel possible. Personal care at home can help seniors experiment to find the ones they like the best.

Use Supplements Wisely

Supplements like protein powders and vitamins might help seniors get the nutrients they need, but they shouldn’t replace real food. If seniors aren’t sure about some of the supplements they’re taking, they should talk with their doctors about them. Adding something new without making sure it’s a good fit for health issues or conditions can derail progress for seniors.

Balance Calorie Goals with Nutritional Needs

There is so much to consider when family caregivers are figuring out nutrition and planning meals for aging adults. Getting enough calories isn’t a separate goal from helping seniors to get the nutrients they need. Personal care at home can help family caregivers understand doctors’ instructions and recommendations for what seniors should be eating. They can also help families plan meals that are still interesting and appealing for aging adults.

Boosting calorie intake is possible for seniors, especially when they focus on keeping those added calories nutritious. Personal care at home can offer support with these and other goals involved in keeping seniors safe and happy while they age in place.

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Los Altos, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.