Top 5 Healthy Winter Foods for Senior Citizens

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Winter is one of the most beautiful times of the year; from snowfall to the holidays, there’s nothing quite like it. While filled with family gatherings and holiday dinners, this season is also known to wreak havoc on diets, offering large quantities of goodies that might not offer the best nutritional value. Fortunately, there are ways to stay healthy this winter! Home Care Assistance of Toronto offers a list of our favorite winter foods that will help keep senior adults happy, healthy and satisfied this holiday season!

  1. Pomegranates. A true wonder-fruit, pomegranates are abundant during the winter. Whether you choose to drink pure pomegranate juice or eat the actual fruit, you can enjoy a variety of benefits including immune system support, reduced plaque and healthier teeth, as well lowered cholesterol. Some studies have reported that pomegranates also reduce arthritis symptoms and aid in pain management for seniors. A great way to incorporate pomegranates into one’s diet is by adding them to hearty oatmeal, perfect for a chilly winter morning.
  2. Squash. Squash is one of fall and winter’s most popular foods. Available in a variety of colors and types, squash can help improve your health by fighting cancer and preventing heart disease. Squash is also rich in vitamins and low in calories, meaning it is great in helping seniors maintain a healthy weight. Adding squash into rice and pasta dishes is an easy way to incorporate the vegetable into your diet, or you can opt for a warm and filling squash soup.
  3. Brussels sprouts. Over the years Brussels sprouts have gotten a poor reputation for being an unappetizing vegetable. However, this is far from the truth when they are prepared properly! Remove the outer layer of leaves, trim the stems and toss with olive oil and sea salt for a light and healthy side dish. Need help cooking in the kitchen? All Home Care Assistance caregivers attend culinary training where they are taught how to prepare nutritious and delicious meals. With their help, you can give Brussels sprouts a try!
  4. Cranberries. What would winter meals be without cranberries? These beautiful little berries can be eaten raw, cooked, as part of a dish, or you can juice them and drink the juice. Cranberries are jam packed with health benefits and can help you by aiding bladder and kidney health, fighting depression and improving mental health. Additionally, cranberries are filled with anti-aging properties, helping keep skin beautiful with age.
  5. Almonds and walnuts. Almonds and walnuts are available year-round, but start to show up in countless dishes around the winter and fall holidays. Packed with protein, these nuts help keep seniors full for longer, and are also high in vitamin E which studies have reported are particularly beneficial in combating cancer, heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.

In addition to providing healthy dieting tips, Home Care Assistance is here to help you or an aging loved one this holiday season. Click here to learn about our hourly care services for seniors or reach out to a Care Manager at 416-488-8777 and discuss available in-home care options.

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