It’s natural to go through bouts of having little appetite throughout our lives, whether we’re feeling under the weather or food simply seems unappealing for a short stint.
However, as we age, it becomes more important to maintain a consistent and healthy diet for our health and well-being. It’s imperative to get a sufficient calorie intake for our bodies to maintain healthy bones, organs, and muscles. For seniors and younger generations alike, not getting enough nutrition may lead to serious health problems.
If you are responsible for your own food preparation, or if you’re providing support to a senior with a suppressed appetite (and medical issues are not a factor), consider trying the following four tips to reignite an interest in food.
Before launching into tip number one, note the following: if loss of appetite is down to a more serious issue — such as a form of dementia — securing part-time or permanent home care might be a suitable option. Trained providers such as those with Integracare Home Care understand that food is instrumental to a loved one’s comfort and quality of life. Their Personal Support Workers can help seniors plan meals, cook, shop for groceries, and eat should they need assistance.
1. Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand
When an appetite is suppressed, it can be easier to stomach multiple small snacks over the course of the day instead of sitting down for three-square meals. Have healthy snacks on hand, like nuts, yogurt, cheese cubes, sliced fruit and dark chocolate squares.
2. Have Options
Simply announcing what meal will be served may reduce a senior’s sense of independence andtheir ability to make choices. Instead, offer two to three meal choices: in doing so you’re reinstating a sense of freedom and normalcy.
Making a meal plan that pivots around key ingredients for multiple meals is a great way to give a choice while minimizing food waste. For example, eggs, broccoli, ham, and potatoes could be offered as scrambled eggs topped with crispy ham, steamed broccoli and fried potatoes or as an omelette with ham and broccoli and a side of potato hash.
3. Turn to Liquids
Liquid meals might be an easier, more appealing concept for those with low appetites. Soups, milkshakes, and smoothies are all great options for boosting calorie intake and for potentially stimulating a sense of appetite over time.
Soups and smoothies are particularly beneficial since nutritional ingredients like iron and omega 3s can be easily added by including pureed vegetables, leafy greens, milks with beneficial fats, peanut butter, and avocado.
4. Keep Mealtimes Consistent
Create a sense of routine with mealtimes. Doing so may stimulate and prepare the body to eat when set times roll around. Furthermore, keep a handle on what’s enjoyed and try to supply like-for-like items. For example, if fish fingers are successful, try chicken fingers.
Anything Goes
While a healthy and balanced diet is important, if fries or a chip sandwich hit the spot, that’s okay in moderation. Simply getting the ball rolling by having a semi-regular appetite — regardless of what the meal or snack might be — is a great sign and a great place to begin.
