When you're striking a balance between independent living and home care for seniors, you need easy, healthy recipes that your loved one can make independently. Here are some easy-to-cook recipes for seniors that focus on nutrition and still encourage independence.

Quick and Easy Breakfasts

Breakfast is an important meal, because it sets the stage for the entire day. For seniors, this means an easy-to-prepare recipe that's vitamin-rich and hearty. Here are some great ideas for quick breakfasts that are easy to prepare.

No-Cook Make Ahead Oatmeal

Mix a half-cup of old-fashioned oats with a tablespoon of chia seed and a half-cup of almond milk. Then, peel and dice an apple. Mix the apple chunks with a tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, then add it to the oatmeal mixture. Mix in a half-cup of Greek yogurt, seal the container and store it in the fridge overnight. By morning, it'll be ready to eat. Just add fresh berries or other sliced fruit and a handful of almonds.

Filling Frittatas

Frittatas are a nice balance of eggs, vegetables and protein. They are quick to make on the stove, and most recipes make just enough for two. Paired with whole-wheat toast, they're a great start to the morning.

Mince a half an onion and cook it over medium heat in a tablespoon of chicken broth. Then, add two cloves of minced garlic and a quarter-pound of ground turkey. Cook until the turkey browns, then add three cups of chopped kale. Skip the kale if you prefer to add spinach later. Cook the kale mixture on low heat, covered, for five minutes.

Add five eggs, beaten and seasoned with salt and pepper. If you replaced the kale with spinach, now's the time to add the spinach, too. Cover and cook for four or five minutes, until the eggs cook through. This dish makes a great lunch when paired with fresh, sliced fruit.

Lunches and Dinners

Here are some great options for lunch and dinner meals that are easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Open-Faced Tuna Melts

Tuna is flavorful and packed with nutrients. Drain a can of chunk white tuna, then mix it with a tablespoon of mayonnaise, diced red onion, diced yellow pepper and chopped celery. Season it with salt and pepper. Toast a whole-wheat English muffin, then top it with a thick slice of fresh tomato, a scoop of tuna salad and a slice of Swiss or Provolone cheese. Melt the cheese under the broiler before serving.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Melt four tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Dice half an onion and cook it until the onion softens. Add four tablespoons of flour, whisking it into the butter. Add two cups of milk, a cup of chicken stock, and the florets of two heads of broccoli. Simmer on low heat for half an hour. Season it with salt and pepper, then add a cup and a half of shredded cheddar cheese. Puree it to break down the broccoli before serving.

It's only natural for seniors to want to prolong the independent stage of life. With supportive in-home care through a company like ComForcare Home Care - Macedonia, OH and easy meals like these, you can rest easier knowing that your loved one is being cared for and getting the nutrition that he or she needs. Talk with an in-home care provider today to give yourself and your loved one peace of mind.

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