Senior Care in Monroe NJ

Nutrition is a critical element of your senior care plan. What your parents eat and drink make a tremendous difference in how they feel and function, promoting ongoing health and wellbeing. Serving the same things over and over again, however, can become tedious, lowering the chances that your parents will actually keep up with their healthy diet and get the benefits from their healthy diet. One way to combat this is to find a variety of interesting and delicious ways to prepare some of the healthiest ingredients available. This way, you can offer a wide range of taste and textural experiences while still feeling confident that your aging loved ones are getting the nourishment their bodies need.

One of the most nutritionally power-packed foods available in quinoa. This delicious grain is one of the only plant-based sources of complete protein, and offers high levels of fiber and vitamins, making it an incredible source of nutrition, especially for those who are trying to limit their consumption of meat. It is so versatile you can put it into meals and snacks for any time of the day, meaning there is always a new opportunity for you and your elderly loved ones to enjoy quinoa.

Try some of these ideas, and share them with your aging parents’ senior health care services provider, to make the power of quinoa a delicious part of your regular care plan:

• Quinoa breakfast cereal. Fuel up for your day and keep your parents satisfied for longer by boiling 1 cup rinsed quinoa, 1 cup water, and 1 cup milk, reducing to simmer, and cooking for 15 minutes. Let stand for another 5 minutes, then mix in 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 4 teaspoons agave nectar or honey, and 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans. For extra punch, add in some fresh berries

• Quinoa pudding. Add energy and nutrition to a sweet treat by preparing your favorite tapioca or rice pudding recipe, but replacing the tapioca pearls or rice with quinoa. The quinoa adds a nuttier, stronger flavor for a satisfying contrast to the sweet, creamy pudding

• Quinoa tabbouleh. Give any meal a fresh, delicious side by cooking 1 cup of quinoa, seasoning it with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, ground pepper to taste, and 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, then mixing with 1 large English cucumber cut into 1/4-inch pieces, 1 pint of halved cherry tomatoes, 2/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint, and 2 thinly sliced scallions. Mix everything together and serve chilled

• Burgers. Enjoy a truly satisfying alternative to a meat burger by cooking 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups vegetable stock, fluffing with a fork, and then adding in 1 cup cooked, chopped chickpeas, 1/2 cup grated provolone cheese, 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/2 cup chopped carrots, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, form into burgers, and cook in a skillet with olive oil until crispy and heated through.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care services in Monroe, NJ or the surrounding areas, please call Independence Home Care today at 609-208-1111 for more information.