Summertime… the months when temperatures reach into the 90s and 100s, often accompanied by uncomfortable humidity. Cooks are not rushing into hot kitchens, but Seniors need to eat and begin to crave colder fares and selections of frostier beverages. Summer luckily brings an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and options for healthy meals. Eating fresh produce provides the most nutrients needed for energy, strong immune systems, healthy blood pressure, and regularity. Summer is indeed the optimum time to indulge in a nutritious diet.
Watermelon contains 92% water and is rich in antioxidants. Strawberries, a variety of melons, and peaches help hydrate as well as provide nutrients. Chop these fruits, mix with vanilla yogurt, and voila!… a healthy, cool, dessert or fruit salad.
Cucumbers flush toxins, cool sunburn, reduce chances of cancer and maintain kidneys. In the following recipe cucumbers also add a little “kick” to summer meals.
- 1 ½ tsp dill seed
- ¾ tsp mustard seed
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup vinegar
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 TB salt
- 2-3 cucumbers, sliced
- ½ onion sliced
Mix together and enjoy as a side dish or by itself.
Even sweet tooths may be satisfied with a recipe for gluten-free No Bake Cocoa Cookies
- 1 ½ cup sugar or sugar substitute
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup butter or one stick margarine
- 4 TB unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup crunchy peanut butter
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Bring sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa to a boil and cook for 1 -2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened. Try to eat just one!
Main dishes are simplified with the availability of fresh produce. Core or halve bell peppers and stuff with a mixture of rice, tomatoes, onions, and browned low-fat ground beef. Top with shredded cheese and heat in the microwave. If an outdoor grill is available, barbecue your choice of meat, fish or veggie kabob. Keep kitchens cool by grilling sweet corn, potatoes, and eggplant outdoors.
Senior Living Communities love to use local produce stands when planning meals. Residents are provided raised garden beds to grow and share harvests in many Retirement Communities. Seniors who grew up in simpler times remember the best flavors are homegrown and delivered straight to the table.
Bridge to Better Living knows one of the most important perks of enjoying a new lifestyle is to have healthy, flavorful food. Meals, when enjoyed with others, are opportunities for social engagement, boosting physical and mental health. Contact Bridge to Better Living today to find the most appropriate new lifestyle fitting you or your loved one’s taste.