January is National Soup Month
Senior Care in White Plains NY
When the big, festive feasts of the holidays come to an end, elderly adults and their caregivers may be looking for a meal that is satisfying, yet free from all of the fats and sugars that holiday food is famous for. Appropriately, January is National Soup Month – a month to celebrate this comforting, classic winter meal. Though soup is certainly comfort food, that doesn’t mean it can’t be rich in nutrients, vitamins, and interesting flavors. Chilly January is the perfect time for elderly adults and their caregivers to try some of these hot and healthful soups:
Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is healthy, hearty, and totally customizable. Start with an easy base of chicken stock or vegetable stock and mix in your favorite vegetables that have been sautéed in olive oil. Great soup vegetables include carrots, celery, kale, cabbage, green beans, onions, shallots, and potatoes. This soup is loaded with fiber and all of the vitamins from the veggies including vitamin A, vitamin C, and B vitamins. For a flavor boost, try adding sautéed garlic, herbs, or a can of stewed tomatoes to the mix!
Tomato Soup
Once you discover how easy it is to make this classic winter favorite, you will never reach for the canned version of it again! Simply heat canned crushed tomatoes in a saucepan with some water and your favorite dried herbs (basil and oregano are great choices), once it boils, lower the heat and add milk for creaminess. Before serving, top it with some grated parmesan cheese and some whole grain croutons for a nutritious and flavorful meal. From the tomatoes, you will get a hefty dose of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
Lentil Soup
Lentils have many health benefits, but they don’t often find their way into the American diet. Lentils are loaded with fiber, protein, iron, B vitamins, and calcium, so they are a great food for elderly adults to eat on a regular basis, especially those who have chronic medical conditions. One way to enjoy this nutrient-rich superfood is in lentil soup. Vegetables like carrots, onion, and tomato can be added for extra vitamins and a hearty texture. For flavor, try adding garlic, ginger, and/or curry.
A hearty, one-pot soup can be a nutritious and delicious meal all in itself and elderly loved ones and their caregivers will love the easy clean-up!
If you or an aging loved one are looking for home care in White Plains, NY, call the friendly staff at The Perfect Home Care at (855) 855-5728. Call today!
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