Effortless And Nourishing Meal Plans Tailored For Seniors

As we age, it’s natural to experience a loss of appetite. However, it’s essential to remember the importance of nutritious food. Regardless of age, our bodies need nutrients and minerals to support us.

If you have grandparents or older parents at home who have lost their appetite or interest in food, try these recipes. Swapping them with regular meals may help stimulate their appetite with just two or three servings. Sometimes, it’s all about making small adjustments to bring enjoyment back to mealtime.

Tasty tomato tart

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2-3 large tomatoes (multiple colors make a beautiful tart, but red works just as well)
• 1 cup of your favorite cheese (such as blue cheese, mozzarella, feta, or Parmesan)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, or chopped fresh herbs like basil and oregano

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil.
• Stretch out the puff pastry on the lined baking sheet. With a fork, poke small holes along the bottom.
• Add onions and olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Sauté, stirring frequently, until soft — about 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle cooked onions over the pastry dough, then top with tomato slices so they don’t overlap. Sprinkle with cheese and half of your seasoning or herbs. Season with salt (or salt replacement, if you’re avoiding sodium) and pepper to your tastes.
• Bake for 25 minutes until the crust is golden. Sprinkle with the remaining herbs, cut into squares, and enjoy!

Roasted root vegetables

Ingredients

• ½ red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled
• 2 large carrots, peeled
• 1 large beet, scrubbed and trimmed
• Several new potatoes, skin on, cut in halves or quarters
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 teaspoons mixed dried herbs, like rosemary, oregano, and parsley

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 F and grease a large baking sheet.
• Cut root vegetables into even-sized pieces, about an inch each.
• Toss root vegetables with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread in an evenly spaced layer on the prepared pan.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring and flipping vegetables twice or until soft.

Southwest stuffed sweet potatoes

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, washed and dried
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (12 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained*
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomato pepper mix, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack
• For a soft food substitute, use refried black beans.

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil.
• Cut potatoes in half lengthwise, then brush with olive oil and salt.
• Bake potatoes (cut side down) for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
• Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, and mash up potato flesh with a fork.
• Sprinkle potatoes with beans, tomato pepper mix, and cheese so the toppings are evenly divided.
• Return to the oven for 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

(Recipe credit: aplaceformom.com)