Because people sometimes eat less as they age, it’s important for seniors to make sure every bite contains valuable nutrients. Soy provides lean protein and many other nutrients and can make a healthy replacement for some less nutritious foods. When providing home care Mississauga for your elderly loved one, here are a few ways you can include soy in his or her diet.
Tofu for Breakfast
Though this can vary from person to person, most seniors should aim to eat between 40-55 grams of protein each day. Starting the day off with a high-protein meal can help your loved one get the energy he or she needs to function well. Although some people claim they don’t like tofu, it can be seasoned to take on a variety of flavors and there are many ways to prepare it that may please even the pickiest senior. For instance, cooking crumbled firm tofu with chopped bell peppers and onions can serve as a low-cholesterol replacement for scrambled eggs. Color the tofu with a little turmeric and cumin to make it look and taste similar to an egg dish.
Soy Smoothies for Lunch
Using soy milk instead of dairy milk in smoothies reduces your loved one’s intake of saturated fat and cholesterol and replaces it with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Those elements can help lower triglycerides and “bad” cholesterol levels. Add a scoop of soy butter for extra protein.
Edamame for a Snack
Edamame, young soybeans that are still in the pod, can be eaten fresh as a snack any time of day. One cup of shelled edamame contains 376 calories, 33 grams of protein and 500 grams of calcium. Research shows soybeans provide the necessary calcium to help maintain bone health in seniors.
Soy Burgers for Dinner
Instead of beef, your loved one can eat a meatless burger for dinner. Burgers made from soy often incorporate other healthy sources of protein and fiber, such as black beans or whole grains. Soy can help strengthen your loved one’s blood vessels, making them more resistant to cholesterol deposits and reactive to changes in blood pressure.
For more information on senior nutrition, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our caregivers can make it easier for your loved one to maintain a healthy diet by helping with tasks like grocery shopping and meal preparation. We also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke care Mississauga seniors can rely on. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable Care Managers, call 905-337-1200 today.