Older adults often fail to eat enough protein. Ideally, experts feel 1.2 to 2 grams per kilogram of weight is best for the elderly. Protein helps build bones, cartilage, muscles, and skin. It helps with tissue repair and aids red blood cell oxygenation. It can even help with digestion.
Does your dad get enough protein each day? Your dad is great at watching his salt and sugar intake, but you worry about his protein intake. Boost your dad’s protein intake in these easy ways.
Make Muffin Tin Omelets
Scramble whole eggs and add plenty of chopped vegetables, nitrate-free turkey bacon, and low-fat cheese. Pour the egg mixture into muffin tins that you’ve sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake these at 350 F until the egg is set.
These omelet muffins are a quick and easy breakfast. Three eggs per day provide 19 grams of protein, so he gets a lot of protein without having to fill up on meat.
Keep Cheese Cubes on Hand
Purchase cheese and cut it into cubes for easy snacks. If your dad is watching saturated fat, skim fat cheeses help lower fat intake. Cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, and goat’s milk cheese are all options for lower fat content.
Bake With Almond Flour
Almonds contain a lot of protein. Just two ounces of almonds have 12 grams of protein. If your dad isn’t likely to eat handfuls of almonds, make treats he’ll love.
Make healthier brownies by mashing two frozen bananas and adding ½ cup of almond flour, ½ cup of cocoa powder, 3 eggs, and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. Stir in a cup of no-sugar chocolate chips. Spread the batter in a pan and add swirls of natural almond butter. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes or until set to your dad’s liking.
Replace Meat with Beans
Once or twice a week, substitute one of your dad’s meals for something containing beans. Make a bean chili or lentil sloppy joes. Dried and canned beans are high in protein and low in fat.
Hire Caregivers to Prepare Your Dad’s Meals
Have caregivers help your dad with meal planning and preparation. He can have caregivers help him shop for food items, put groceries away, and prepare meals and snacks throughout the day. With home care aides, your dad has someone around while he eats, which makes it more likely that he’ll eat all of his meal.
To arrange home care services like meal preparation, call a senior care specialist. The expert will walk you through the pricing and schedules. It assures you that your dad has the support he needs throughout the week.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924200/#
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Greenfield, IN, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care today. 317-550-1276