Incorporating heart healthy foods into your diet is always a good idea, but when you have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, eating heart-healthy is especially important. As dementia progresses, appetite can decrease, which can be challenging when planning meals. Food needs to be nutrient-dense AND appeal to an increasingly particular palate. Here are just a few ways our Autumn Leaves Culinary Team keeps our residents’ heart health a top priority through high-quality, wholesome, and delicious menu options.
Baked, not fried.
While the occasional serving of Mom’s fried chicken is okay, our fresh cuts of meats and seafood are typically roasted, grilled, or baked for optimum nutrition and maximum flavor.
Skip the salt.
Over-salting food is a common tendency, especially as dementia can dull the sense of taste over time. Our chefs make sure their dishes are always full of flavorful spices to curb the desire to reach for the salt shaker. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2500 milligrams of sodium per day, even less if possible.
Not all fat is bad.
Yes, it’s true! Your body requires fat to function properly. From helping to absorb vital nutrients and vitamins, to keeping the body warm, we need fat in our diet. Choosing the right kind of fat is key—saturated and trans fats should be avoided when possible. That’s why we love foods like salmon and trout that are great sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Other nutritious ways to incorporate good fat into our menus: avocados, olive oil, walnuts, and…
Sweet rewards.
Pass the chocolate! Dark chocolate is full of nutrients like antioxidants, magnesium, fiber, iron, and copper, and the cocoa flavanols may actually improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health. This sweet treat certainly has its benefits when consumed in moderation. This is a great thing to bring when you visit your loved one at Autumn Leaves. Share a square of 70% dark chocolate with the ones you love and toast to good health!
Membership has its privileges.
Finally, every Autumn Leaves Culinary Manager is a member of the American Culinary Federation. Through membership in the ACF, each Autumn Leaves Chef and Dietitian receives continuing education on current trends, preparation techniques, and culinary best practices. Our Dietitians work closely with our Chefs to provide your loved one with menus that balance nutrition with appetite appeal and a pleasing presentation.
