Spring Recipes For Those With Low Mobility

As adults’ nutritional requirements change as because we have finished our growth stages it then becomes all about using nutrition to achieve and maintain good health and fitness. The NHS is very keen to promote the 5-a-day (fruits and vegetables) requirement and in addition we have to make sure we get a balance of starchy foods, fat, fibre, carbohydrates with essential vitamins and minerals.

However things begin to change during the senior years when illnesses and long term health conditions come into play. According to the Live-in Care Hubthings like high blood pressure, heart disease and digestive problems can all have an impact on our daily diet.

Mobility problems and diet

Even if you haven’t got any major health issues but you do have limited mobility then special attention must be given to your nutritional requirements as these are likely to be slightly different. Energy needs and levels tend to naturally reduce in the senior years as metabolic rates decrease. This means that there is less need for high carbohydrate and high fat foods but increased need for certain vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids to protect the heart, joints and bone health.

The weather also has a bearing not only on what type of food we need but also on how much we need. In winter months we tend to want warming, hearty meals but warmer weather brings to mind a different approach, with lighter, easy to digest meals. With this in mind and with the help of your live-in carertake a look at these suggestions for spring recipes.

Healthy and low-calorie

When you are moving around less it stands to reason you need fewer calories but you still need a meal that is nutritious and filling.

Noodles and boiled eggs fit the bill here and when you add grated carrot, lettuce, tomato, herbs and spices this makes a delicious noodle salad.

A ready to eat salmon fillet, either plain or smoked, stirred into scrambled eggs makes a delicious filling snack.

A one-pot chicken casserole for cooler spring days is an easy option and one that can be made in advance. Use skinless chicken fillets which you fry in low-cal spray oil with onion. Add vegetable or chicken stock made with low-salt stock cubes and some small new potatoes (canned potatoes are ideal). Then add vegetables of your choice for example broccoli, peas or spring greens, season and simmer until cooked.

Grill a couple of low-fat sausages, add to gently fried mushrooms and onions in a shallow ovenproof dish, season with herbs, add a little beef stock and caramelised onion then top with spring cabbage and potato mash. Place in the oven at 200C/fan 180C/gas 6 and cook for around 30 minutes.

Desserts and treats could include simple things like ice-cream, fruit with low-fat crème freche and of course a hot cross bun or two at Easter! Whatever you choose to eat at Easter, enjoy sitting around a table with your nearest and dearest and you’re sure to have a lovely happy Easter.

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