Healthy but Filling Breakfasts for Seniors

The phrase “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” exists for a reason. After more than eight hours of sleep, you need to replenish your energy levels to prepare yourself for the day. No matter your age, breakfast helps set you up for success.

A problem many have with breakfast, however, is how the meal has essentially becomes “disguised dessert.” It’s not as easy to eat healthily at breakfast as it is for the rest of the meals, and healthy breakfasts can start to feel repetitive or too light. If you’re looking to start your day right with healthy but filling breakfasts for seniors to try, consider these options.

Why is breakfast so important for seniors?

Sometimes, going through the effort to prepare breakfast first thing in the morning is an exhausting feat for seniors. However, it is important to fuel your body and mind with a healthy meal.

• Energy boost. Between your last meal and breakfast, your body enters a fasted state. Your body’s glucose levels deplete, which gives you lower energy throughout the day. Eating first thing in the morning helps replenish your energy.
• Brain boost. Similarly, your brain needs glucose to function most effectively. Eating a healthy breakfast will help you be more alert and have better mental performance throughout the day.
• Eat with medication. Some medications, if taken on an empty stomach, can cause nausea. One of the best ways to avoid this is to take medicine with breakfast.

Healthy but filling breakfast ideas for seniors

A healthy, balanced breakfast consists of high-quality, whole foods. Try to prepare dishes that are rich in whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables.

If you’re looking for ideas, consider some of the options below. Some of these dishes come together in just a few minutes, while others can be made the night or day before and reheated. Mix and match these recipes for more variety in your life.

Oatmeal with fruit

Oatmeal is a fast, easy dish that is great any time of year. It is high in fiber, helps lower blood pressure, provides antioxidants, and promotes healthy gut bacteria. For a more filling meal, add fruit, nuts, or even yogurt. One of the best parts about oatmeal is that it is easily customizable to fit whatever you’re craving or whatever fresh fruit is available.

Recently, a new oatmeal trend started: overnight oats. Essentially, you put everything you want in your oatmeal in a container, leave it overnight, and then enjoy it in the morning. Some eat it cold and some heat it up, so just act according to your preferences.

Avocado toast

Avocado toast has become infamous for being a favorite among younger generations, but it is popular with good reason. Packed with healthy fats and fiber, it is great for digestion. Use whole-grain bread for a healthier alternative. For a heartier dish, top it with an egg, tomato, greens, and a little bit of bacon.

Quiche

To get in a decent serving of vegetables first thing in the morning, consider making a quiche! Though they take about an hour to cook, the process of putting them together is quite easy. Pick your ingredients, chop them up, and throw them all in a prepared pie crust. You could make quiche the night before and have leftovers for days,

Quiche can be a little fatty, so consider opting for low-fat milk instead of heavy cream or whole-fat. Limit the amount of cheese you use as well. You could also make a strictly egg-white quiche instead of using the whole egg.

Acai or smoothie bowl

Smoothie or acai bowls are a great way to enjoy the benefits of a smoothie with a little more substance. You start by making a smoothie that is thick enough to spoon up, pour it in a bowl of your choice, and then add fruit, granola, or coconut to the top. These are especially delicious on a warm summer morning.

Don’t have a blender? Try making a blueberry bowl! Using frozen wild blueberries, put them in your bowl and pour milk over them. Then, top with fruit, granola, or whatever else sounds good in a smoothie bowl. When you mix it together, it will have a sort of slushy consistency.

Breakfast potatoes

For the days you need a hearty breakfast to propel you with energy, try breakfast potatoes. Though you’ll often find breakfast potatoes fried, you can make a healthy version by roasting them in the oven. Cut up vegetables like asparagus or spinach, add some light cheese, top with an egg, and you’ll have a protein-packed breakfast that will keep you feeling full for hours!

For help with meal preparation, consider an at-home caregiver

These dishes might sound good to you, but if you find cooking exhausting or daunting you won’t want to give them a shot. If that is the case, consider calling upon the help of an at-home caregiver. These professionals will take care of every step of the meal preparation process for you, from planning, to picking up groceries, to cooking, to clean up.

Home caregivers can help you with all the activities of daily living. For more information, call us at 773-274-9262.