Are you looking for some new recipe ideas for seniors, to beef up the protein level in your residential care or nursing home menus?

If you aren’t, you may want to consider it. Research shows that 50 percent of institutionalized geriatric patients are undernourished and approximately 90 percent of geriatric individuals do not assimilate the RDA for total calorie intake – primarily for protein, calcium and vitamin D.

Serving a high-protein breakfast is a great way to give older adults the fuel their bodies need to get through the day. Starting the day with the right foods can help keep seniors healthy and strong. And, as the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

So, what’s for breakfast? These five recipe ideas for seniors are loaded with protein and flavor.

Veggie Scrambled Eggs

Eggs are a natural choice for breakfast. They’re delicious and versatile, and every large egg contains more than 6 grams of complete protein.

Veggie scrambled eggs are an easy, tasty and nutritious morning meal. Simply stir diced, sautéed vegetables into two scrambled eggs, then serve. If cholesterol is a concern, prepare the dish with egg whites.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

A six-ounce serving of Greek yogurt typically contains at least 15 grams of protein – some brands have up to 20 grams – as well as calcium and vitamin D.

For a simple breakfast, whip up some Greek yogurt parfaits. Layer the yogurt with antioxidant-rich berries and one-quarter cup of crushed walnuts – another 3 grams of protein — for a balanced, flavorful, high-protein meal.

Peanut Butter Banana Toast

A two-tablespoon serving of peanut butter delivers 8 grams of protein, and it is a favorite of many seniors.

For a more filling and nutritious breakfast, pair peanut butter with fruit and whole grains and serve with a glass of skim milk – milk offers another 8 grams of protein. Toast a slice of whole wheat or multigrain bread, top with the peanut butter and add sliced bananas for a satisfying morning treat.

Fruit and Walnut Oatmeal

Oatmeal is often used in breakfast recipe ideas for seniors because it is high in fiber and easy to eat. But oatmeal is also high in protein — on its own, a cup of cooked oatmeal has about six grams.

Fruit and walnut oatmeal can offer a further boost in protein. Cook the oatmeal in skim milk for an extra eight grams. Add in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts for another 3 grams. For added flavor and nutrients, fold in a tablespoon of honey and some diced fresh apple or handful of mixed berries.

Berry Smoothie

Packing protein into a smoothie is easy, and the results can be delicious. In fact, many seniors love these milkshake-like treats for breakfast and snacks.

For a simple protein-packed breakfast berry smoothie, blend six ounces of silken tofu, which provides 14 grams of protein, with one cup of skim milk, which adds an additional 8 grams. Add two-thirds cup of blueberries, one medium banana and a tablespoon of honey, and blend until smooth. Serve chilled for a maximum flavor punch.

Would you like more help with your meal planning for seniors? The Grove Menus food menu program makes it easy to prepare healthy, delicious meals for the residents of your assisted living facility or senior care center. Even better, our food service system reduces costs and saves time.

The Grove Menus system also contains hundreds of dietitian-approved recipe ideas for seniors. Contact us today to learn more, or to schedule your free demonstration.