4 Delicious Meals for Seniors Recovering from Heart Attack or Stroke

Seniors recovering from cardiovascular disease or in need of stroke care shouldn’t have to miss out on a hearty dinner while recovering. Family members need only alter the recipes so that seniors can enjoy a heart-healthy holiday meal. Experts at Tucson home care agency share some delicious recipes you loved one recovering from a stroke or heart attack should try.

1. Spinach Dip

2 cups of canned chickpeas-drained and rinsed
1 cup of fresh spinach
½ cup of shredded Havarti cheese
¼ cup of lemon juice
¼ cup of water
½ of a chopped garlic clove
pepper to taste

Pulse the chickpeas, garlic, and spinach until smooth in a food processor. Add the remaining ingredients and process until blended well. Slowly add water to the dip until achieving the desired consistency. Serve with fresh veggies, bread or low-sodium crackers for an appetizer. 

2. Turkey with Apple, Herb and Sausage Stuffing

A 14-pound turkey stuffed with:

¼ pound of turkey sausage
6 cups or nine slices of whole-wheat bread cubed
½ cup each of chopped celery and onion
2 small apples-peeled and chopped
½ teaspoon each of dried basil and sage
2 teaspoons each of chopped fresh oregano and thyme
½ teaspoon of salt and pepper

Wash and dry the turkey, stuff with mixture and secure the legs. Roast according to directions.

3. Mixed Potato Terrine

½ pound each of white and sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 thinly sliced leek
½ teaspoon each of dried sage and thyme
¼ teaspoon of pepper
2 teaspoons of olive oil 

Heat oil in a skillet and add the leek with seasonings. Cook for five to 10 minutes until soft. Coat a bread loaf pan with cooking spray. Put half of the white potato slices in the bottom followed by 1/3 of the leek. Top with half of the sweet potato slices. Top with another 1/3 of the leek. Repeat the process. Cover the pan with foil and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. 

4. Fruit Yogurt Parfait

2 six-ounce containers of pineapple yogurt
1 cup of sliced strawberries or berries
1 sliced banana
¼ cup of low-fat granola
1 tablespoon of cocoa
1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of hot water

In four small dishes or parfait glasses, layer 1/3 cup of yogurt, ¼ cup of berries and ¼ cup of bananas. Top each with 1 tablespoon of granola. Combine the cocoa and sugar with the hot water and stir until smooth. Drizzle over each parfait.

A healthy diet is key to recovering from heart attack and stroke, but that shouldn’t exclude your loved one from a delicious meal. If your aging loved one needs assistance to manage symptoms of a serious illness or simple with running daily errands, consider opting for specialized home care. Tucson families should reach out to a reliable senior care agency in their area to allow their loved ones age in place with family and cherished memories.