Healthy, Warm Foods for Seniors During Winter

Winter can be a challenging time for seniors. The colder weather makes it harder to get outside, stay active, and engage in normal activities. One way seniors can pass the time during the winter months is by trying new foods and cooking nutritious meals. Try a few of these healthy and warm foods for seniors during winter.

Vegetable Soup

Soup is a long-time favorite winter food. There is no better food to help you warm up on a cold day. Incorporating healthy ingredients into soup is one of the easiest ways to ensure seniors get adequate servings of vegetables. There are several winter vegetables that can be cooked, seasoned, and added to soup, including:

• Carrots

• Kale

• Cabbage

• Brussel sprouts

• Parsnips

• Collard greens

• Swiss chard

Seniors can easily get two or more servings of vegetables in just a small bowl of soup. Soup is also a great food to make in big batches and enjoy throughout the week.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are an important part of a balanced diet and should be incorporated into winter meals. Warm whole grains can make a great base for a stir fry, meat dish, or vegetable bowl. Whole grains heat and reheat well and provide important nutrients like vitamin B, iron, and potassium.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great option for a warm breakfast during the winter. Oatmeal is one of the easiest meals to prepare in senior housing, and it is a star when it comes to nutrients. Oatmeal is low in calories but high in fiber and protein. In addition, there are endless variations of oatmeal, and seniors can add their favorite fruits or toppings to switch it up.

Squash Pasta

Although squash is generally considered to be a summer vegetable, adding squash pasta to the winter meal rotation is an easy way to stay healthy and warm. 

Squash can normally be found year-round in grocery stores and can easily be prepared to serve as a noodle substitute. Squash noodles are healthier than traditional noodles and just as delicious.

Warm Nuts

Looking for the perfect warm winter snack? Nuts are a great option. They provide excellent essential nutrients and are one of the healthiest snacks around. Nuts can be mixed and matched with other foods, such as cheese or fruit. 

They can also be seasoned with your favorite spices and quickly warmed up in the oven to create a delicious snack at any time. 

Stay Active and Healthy During Winter in Assisted Living 

Winter can be a tough time to get the nutrients seniors need, but it is important to stay dedicated to a healthy eating routine all year round. Adding these foods to the meal list can help ensure seniors stay healthy all winter. In assisted living, seniors have easy access to nutritious meals every day.