Breakfast energizes the body, jump-starts the metabolism, balances blood sugar, and provides nutrients essential to radiant health. If you are currently working on a home health care plan with the older loved one in your life, set time aside to research healthy breakfast options. Keep dietary restrictions and sensitivities in mind while planning, as your older loved one may not be able to consume hard foods or has other issues such as digestive problems. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

What Should My Senior Loved One Eat for Breakfast?

1. Oatmeal With Fruit

Hot oatmeal topped with fruit such as bananas, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries is as filling as it is healthy. Oatmeal features soluble as well as insoluble fiber to keep your older loved one feeling full until lunchtime. Soluble fiber content includes beta-glucan, which lowers cholesterol, while fruit toppings add antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals to the meal.

2. Avocado Toast

Avocado provides your older loved one with a wonderful source of healthy fat that contributes to low blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as eye health among many other benefits. The fruit is also soft on teeth and gums. Avocado spreads easily on toast. Use untoasted bread if the senior has teeth/gum sensitivities, and try adding sea salt for extra flavor.

3. Vegetable Omelet

Omelets stuffed with bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, and broccoli offer another breakfast option that’s easy to chew. Eggs are rich in protein, vitamins B and D, and minerals such as selenium, while vegetables and mushrooms add even more nutrients to this popular breakfast dish.

4. Yogurt Parfait

Yogurt parfaits mixed with fruit, nuts, and seeds offer a quick breakfast option that is high in complex carbohydrates, healthy fat, and vitamin C. Other healthy ingredients to experiment with include granola and oatmeal — use cooked oatmeal if the senior prefers soft foods.

5. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad for breakfast? Why not? While quinoa salads are commonly lunch and dinner meals, they also provide “power breakfast” options ideal for home health care plans. Quinoa cooked with olive oil and combined kale, peppers, and nuts or seeds takes little time to prepare, helps regulate blood sugar, and protects the organs from oxidative stress. The whole grain is also extremely filling.

If home health care for the senior in your life has become more complex lately, rely on the compassionate team at Lifetime Care. Founded in 1960 as part of a larger home health care network, this agency has locations in Rochester, Auburn, Dundee, Lakeville, and Newark, NY, to provide the Finger Lakes region with exceptional services, including hospice and cancer care. Call (585) 214-1000 today to discuss your older loved one’s needs or visit the website for service details. Like the Facebook page for more senior care tips.