As we age, good food choices have big impacts on our daily lives. By making a healthy food choice, we can improve our energy, boost our immune system, and feel better overall. Simply put, good nutrition is essential to our physical health, disease prevention and weight management. It’s even more important for seniors to make nutritious food choices on a regular basis. Incorporating nutritional eating habits with being active, are the first steps to managing wellness.
Inspirational Meals at Blossom
The Blossom Collection’s culinary team; inspired by Andiamo; consulted with geriatric dieticians to understand the importance of planning, preparing, and serving nutritional, well-balanced meals to our seniors.
The team research’s food items that will both satisfy the residents tastes, as well as provide nutritional value. They begin by selecting the protein, beef, chicken, or fish. The protein becomes the focal point of the meal, and the accompanying sides are complimentary. Picking a starch and vegetable that will enhance the main part of the meal is just as important as the selection of the protein. Creating tasty, nutritious meals for seniors is not as straightforward as it would seem. The Blossom Chef’s must consider the needs of all our residents during the planning process from portion control, salt content, food allergies, fat content, spices, sweetness, and several other considerations.
Once all the elements are executed, a wonderful meal full of taste and textures is presented. Every meal prepared by the culinary team at Blossom whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or our fabulous Sunday Brunch, is a restaurant inspired offering, focusing on nutrition for a better quality of life as we age.
Nutritional Guidelines for Seniors
As we age, our metabolism and digestive systems become slower which coincides with the drop in activity levels. The Blossom Collection promotes engaging activities along with healthy food choices provided by our on-site culinary team. But what happens when our residents are dining off campus or decided to stay home and cook for themselves. How do they know how much and what to eat? It is recommended that men over the age of 50 should consume 2,000 to 2,800 calories per day. While women over the age of 50 should consume less within the range of 1,600 to 2,200 calories per day. (Resource: Seniors' Nutrition Information | Your Guide to Eating Well (greatseniorliving.com)
Along with total calorie intake, is the importance of consuming a combination of healthy foods from each food group. Eating 2,500 calories a day of fruits, vegetables, grains and low-fat protein will yield better results than eating 2,500 empty calories from foods with no nutritional value. In addition to selecting the right food choices, staying hydrated is high on the list. Consuming the recommended amount of liquids prescribed by your doctor makes all the difference.
Engaging Activities at Blossom
Our previous article, Healthy Aging by Staying Active, speaks to the steps an adult can take to support a healthy and active lifestyle. Staying active in ways that are meaningful and purposeful have positive results. The Blossom Collection offers a variety of activities that our seniors can do regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. Our caring team members at Blossom, make sure all our residents have the tools necessary to remain active, engaged, and social. All key components to experiencing a Life in Full Bloom.
The Blossom Collection of Inspired Senior Living is the Choice for Senior Living. Our campuses provide life enrichment activities, restaurant inspired meals, resort style amenities, resident clubs, social events and so much more. The Blossom Collection is there for you when things change, meeting your needs without separating you from the people and activities you care about. Our living options include Active Adult Living, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Respite Care. We have two campuses, but we are one community. Call us today to schedule your tour at 248-759-8500.
For more information or to schedule a tour, visit MoceriSeniorLiving.com.