GHA Holiday Season Recipes
If you are spending a holiday season gathering with a loved one who is living with dementia, our top tips when it comes to food is to do simple nutritious cooking and eat earlier in the day. Also, reducing the amount of sugar in the meals and replacing low nutrient ingredients with macro-nutrients helps to sustain energy levels and mood. It is much easier than you might think – see below for some delicious holiday season recipes from our very own GHA Nutrition and Wellness Team for you to try at home.
We’d love to see what you’ve cooked up. Share your photos on social media and make sure to tag us #grouphomesaustralia @grouphomesaustralia
Roasted Chicken with Cherry Oat Stuffing
Chicken is an easier bird to cook during the holiday season, with less fuss and leftovers – and it can be just as tender as turkey when you have stuffing and use good old-fashioned butter. This festive-feeling stuffing packs some extra nutritional benefits, too. The plump seasonal cherries are full of antioxidants and natural sweetness, and the oats provide extra fibre plus digestive support. Crunchy hazelnuts bring in protein for overall health, along with omega 3s which are a winner when it comes to supporting brain health.
Roast Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad
This salad is colourful, simple to create, and packed with nutrients. Beetroots offer fibre, folate, and organic nitrates for cardiovascular health. Pumpkin adds natural sweetness, beta carotene, vitamin C, and fibre to support immunity and digestion. Walnuts provide a crunch along with protein and amino acids, supporting muscle recovery, immunity, and building neurotransmitters and hormone production. They are also a great source of MUFAs, magnesium, and vitamin E, supporting muscle recovery, heart health, and immunity.
Mango Trifle
Trifle is always a winner during the holiday season, but it’s a lot of layers and a lot of work. This simpler take includes a seasonal favourite – mangoes. Not only delicious, each mango boasts around 4g of fibre, which is great for digestion and overall health. Mangoes are also loaded with almost twice the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, plus they are rich in potassium and contain all the essential amino acids. We’ve also swapped traditional cream with coconut milk and yoghurt. This change provides a different source of saturated fats, perfect for supporting brain energy.
After Dinner Mints
Our twist on the traditional after dinner mint, these little treats are packed with protein. Cashews provide 5g of protein per 30g serving (just a small handful!), along with being rich in iron, zinc, and selenium. They’re loaded with essential nutrients that promote overall health and boost immunity. With a high content of MUFAs, cashews support cardiovascular health and healthy cholesterol levels. Plus, their anti-inflammatory properties support overall health and wellbeing. The perfect little finisher for your holiday season spread.
