Elderly people pay special attention to food that is easy to chew and swallow, and they also try to control their intake of oil and salt. So how should meals for seniors be prepared? Here are 7 cooking tips to make food more appealing for the elderly; everyone should give them a try.
1. Slice the carrots thinly
To make carrots soften and cook faster, don't slice them with a knife. Use a peeler to shave them into long, thin slices, which will be easier to chew.
2. Break the bean sprouts
Bean sprouts taste better after their roots are removed. In addition, pay attention to their length. A simple snap with your hand can make a big difference in how easy they are to chew.
3. Tear leafy greens into small pieces or roll them
Greens like lettuce are large and thin, which can be difficult for seniors to eat. Tear them into small pieces or roll them up and cut them into bite-sized portions for easier consumption.
4. Make a few cuts on the shrimp
When teeth are strong, the springy texture of shrimp is very appealing. However, it can be challenging for the elderly. Making a few cuts on the shrimp will make it much easier to chew.
5. Cut the meat fibers
Before cutting the meat, use the back of a knife to pound the surface a few times to break the muscle fibers. Then, cut the meat into slanted slices, which will be easier to eat.
6. Cut noodles into short pieces
Long noodles can be difficult to handle. Try cutting them into shorter pieces before cooking.
7. Sprinkle flour on meat before cooking
Coat meat and seafood with a thin layer of flour. After cooking, the surface will be smoother and more tender, making it easier to chew and swallow.
8. Enoki mushrooms help with swallowing
You can stir-fry enoki mushrooms with other dishes. Their slippery texture helps other foods go down more easily, increasing the portion size without adding significant calories.
9. Steam-frying for delicious, low-calorie meals
Stir-frying often requires a lot of oil, which can increase bad cholesterol. To avoid excessive intake, use the steam-frying method to make ingredients soft, tasty, and healthy.
The specific method is to bring water to a boil in a frying pan, then add the ingredients to blanch them. Once the ingredients are soft, drain the water, add a small amount of oil, and steam them. Season after the water has evaporated. A key tip is to add a little oil before serving to bring out the flavor of the ingredients. This is the crucial step in steam-frying.