Three quick and healthy recipes for seniors

As people age, their appetite can decrease due to a variety of factors. Some simply cannot find time to cook while others have a limited appetite due to medications. Whatever the reason, not getting the proper nutrition is never an option. It is recommended that seniors receive 1-1/2 to 2 servings of fresh fruit, 2 to 2-1/2 cups of fresh vegetables, 6 to 7 ounces of grains and 65 grams of protein per day. Here are three quick, easy and nutritional recipes that won’t break your budget or waste your time:

Greek yogurt parfait

• 3 cups of plain fat-free Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 4 teaspoons of honey
• 20 clementine segments
• 1/4 cup of shelled, unsalted chopped pistachios

For four servings, combine the yogurt and vanilla in a small bowl. Then, put 1/3 cup of yogurt mixture into four parfait glasses. Distribute 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of nuts on top of each. Garnish with 5 clementine sections. Enjoy!

Grilled Alaska salmon

• 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of sweet onion (chopped)
• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 teaspoon of fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon of fresh garlic
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

Top each fillet with a mixture of the cherry tomatoes, sweet onion, fresh basil, garlic and olive oil. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Wrap each fillet in aluminum foil and place in the oven for about 15 minutes. Bon appétit!

Sweet and sour vegetables

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of light soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon of ginger
• 1 cup of pineapple or orange juice
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons of oil
• 1 pound of frozen vegetables

Combine honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, ginger, pineapple or orange juice and cornstarch into a small bowl and set aside. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet and sauté vegetables for 3-4 minutes. Add sauce mixture over the vegetables and cook for another two minutes. Serve immediately!

Enjoy these suggestions and don’t be afraid to try new things when it comes to cooking. You might surprise yourself!