Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes for Seniors

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, festivities, and feasting. From turkey and mashed potatoes to pies and stuffing, traditional Thanksgiving dishes are often heavy and rich. Some foods may also have excessive sugars and fats, which can impact sensitive stomachs.

While decadent Thanksgiving meals are delicious, they may not always be the best option for seniors. Foods loaded with fat, carbs, and fiber take longer to digest. This can cause nausea and stomach pains. To avoid these issues and other complications, older adults must be mindful of what foods they consume on Thanksgiving.

Senior-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

Keep reading to learn three delicious and nutritious senior-friendly recipes to add to your Thanksgiving spread. We’ll also share some healthy eating tips you can use well after the holiday festivities have come to an end.

Roasted Turkey 

A juicy turkey is the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey is a great source of lean protein for older adults and supports muscle strength. However, glaze and skin contain saturated fats and empty calories.

If you’re the one doing the cooking this Thanksgiving, prepare a roasted turkey. Remove the skin and avoid using salt. For stuffing, use oranges or apples.

Older adults should stick to a three-ounce serving of light meat. Leave the dark meat for your kids to enjoy. 

Roasted, Steamed, or Baked Veggies 

Baked and roasted veggies are healthy and mouthwatering Thanksgiving sides. Best of all, there are tons of roasted vegetable recipes to try. Make baked asparagus, roasted sweet potatoes, or steamed green beans.

Vegetables, including sprouts, squash, brussels sprouts, and carrots, are fantastic sources of fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. You will do away with high calories and saturated fats by roasting your veggies. 

Mashed Sweet Potatoes or Cauliflower 

Love mashed potatoes during Thanksgiving? Opt for a healthy alternative by serving mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower. The latter is an excellent source of protein, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins K and C. Sweet potatoes can improve immunity and reduce the risk of cancer.

Use simple ingredients in moderation, including unsalted butter, a pinch of salt, or fresh rosemary. 

Healthy Thanksgiving Eating Tips 

Use these helpful hints to make healthier eating choices on Thanksgiving and all year long:

• Avoid stuffing and other foods with high amounts of salt. 
• Avoid adding large helpings of sour cream, butter, or cheese to your meals. These are high in sodium and saturated fat.
• Remove the second layer of crust from double-layered pies. 

Visiting Angels of The Greater Susquehanna Valley Helps Seniors Craft Healthy Holiday Meals 

Do you need a hand in the kitchen? If so, call Visiting Angels of The Greater Susquehanna Valley. Our in-home caregivers can assist you with meal planning and preparation. They also provide safe and reliable transportation to the grocery store and Thanksgiving parties.

For more information, contact us today by calling (570) 768-4747. We serve residents throughout Williamsport, Danville, Lewisburg, Lock Haven, Sunbury, and the surrounding areas. We hope to hear from you soon!