We understand seniors have diverse dietary needs and preferences, which is why we offer numerous dining options at Autumn View Gardens. Throughout the day, Creve Coeur seniors savor restaurant-style meals, including delicious made-from-scratch meals and refreshing beverages. Residents can also gather in our cozy country kitchen for cooking classes or family meals.
After socializing in our dining area, some members of our senior living community prepare food in their own apartments. Many meals are prepared in microwaves, but refrigerated snacks are also an option. Here are some simple meal ideas you can try in your assisted living apartment, whether you're craving a sweet treat or a savory snack.
Smooth, creamy yogurt provides the perfect backdrop for sliced fruit, chopped nuts or chocolate chips. To make your own yogurt parfait, start by selecting your favorite flavor of yogurt. Spoon some yogurt into a bowl or cup, add mix-ins such as banana slices or pecans and top that with more yogurt. Continue layering ingredients until your yogurt container is empty and serve chilled.
Whole-grain oats are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and they may even reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Many seniors boil water for a steaming bowl of oatmeal, but you can also eat oats cold. This recipe for overnight oats requires just a few ingredients: Oats, milk and your preferred toppings.
Use an equal ratio of oats and milk, such as 1/2 cup of oats and a 1/2 cup of milk. Place the oats in a glass or mug and pour your milk on top. Add other ingredients, such as peanut butter, honey, blueberries, strawberries or peaches. Place your cup of oats in the fridge overnight and serve cold the next day.
You can make fluffy scrambled eggs without a skillet. Start by cracking two or three eggs in a microwave-safe bowl add a few spoonfuls of water or milk. Season with salt and pepper, and mix ingredients with a fork.
Microwave for 30-second intervals, and mix the eggs each time you remove the bowl. Run a fork or spatula along the sides of the bowl to keep eggs from getting stuck. Continue heating eggs for 30 second intervals for up to 2.5 minutes. You can top scrambled eggs with shredded cheese and salsa if desired.
Tuna is a protein-packed option for seniors interested in decreasing their odds of developing age-related macular degeneration and kidney disease. You can make a quick and easy tuna salad by combining one can of tuna with two tablespoons of mayo plus salt and pepper. You can also add hardboiled egg, celery or diced onions to your tuna salad.
Enjoy your tuna salad straight from the bowl, or spread it on crackers or bread. Tuna salad also pairs well with spinach leaves or lettuce, and you may not even need dressing, since it already contains mayonnaise. Try a splash of vinegar or a tangy vinaigrette if you want extra flavor on your salad.
Chicken roll-ups are a quick yet satisfying meal for seniors. To make your own chicken roll-ups, mix a small can of shredded chicken with two tablespoons of cream cheese. Sprinkle the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese, and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
Lay a flat flour tortilla on a plate, and spoon your chicken mixture into the center. You can also add lettuce or tomatoes for extra nutrients. Roll your tortilla like a burrito with pinched sides, or leave the sides open and roll the tortilla from top to bottom.
Pierce a potato with a fork several times and set the potato on a plate. If your microwave has a baked potato button, use that. If not, microwave the potato on high for 5 minutes, then rotate and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove your potato and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice the potato in half, then top with sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, broccoli or other ingredients you enjoy.
This recipe is inspired by the popular summer salad served at Creve Coeur Lakehouse and evokes memories of warm days spent by the water. Start by placing spinach leaves in a bowl. Then, top them with fresh blueberries, strawberries and mandarin oranges. Add ham, chicken or turkey, then drizzle with a light vinaigrette or citrus dressing.
For a hint of crunch, add walnuts, croutons or sunflower seeds. You can eat this spinach salad alone or pair it with chicken roll-ups or a sandwich.
These easy meals work well for many seniors, but talk to your doctor before making dietary changes. Your medical provider can help you adapt the recipes above to meet your unique needs or suggest other simple recipes you can prepare in your assisted living apartment.
