Did you know that feelings of hunger decline with age? It is a normal phenomenon, but nutritional needs do not decrease over time – quite the contrary. It is therefore essential to find ways to stimulate your appetite so that you can continue to eat well and in sufficient quantities to avoid nutritional deficiencies that can lead to malnutrition and other health problems. 

How can you regain your appetite? 

Did you know that as you age, the taste buds don’t regenerate as quickly as before, which can cause food to taste bland. It can also happened that some of you have difficulty swallowing, or even feel pain when chewing, which can sometimes be side effects of certain medications.

The loss of mobility and lack of exercise can slow down your metabolism, which can also lead to loss of appetite. Nutrition has to be taken seriously : it is the fuel your body needs to keep, not only the muscle mass but also bone density. Loneliness, boredom, and depression also play a big role in reducing appetite, making eating a chore. Fortunately, solutions exist! 

Share your meals with friends and family

Do you tend to eat alone? Don't be shy and invite a neighbor, a friend or a family member to your table to enjoy a great lunch or dinner. Without even realizing it, a joyful presence will open your appetite! Having meals in the dining room of your retirement home is also real advantage. You are surrounded by neighbors and friends to eat, talk and share your day, while relieving the burden of prepping meals.

Increase the nutritional value of meals

Instead of looking to eat more, seek to eat better. Add very nutritionally rich ingredients to your meals, like avocados, eggs, nuts, Greek yogurt and other good sources of protein.

Snack

Eat small amounts throughout the day even if you don’t feel hungry. As the saying goes, appetite comes with eating, and it’s very true. Have mixtures of nuts and dried fruit on hand, for example, and leave them in plain sight to encourage you to eat them more.

Eat with your eyes

Appetite is inextricably linked to the appearance of the food. Adding colour to your plate, choosing pretty dishes or taking care with the presentation of your meals can affect the level of your appetite.

Avoid drinking before eating

Liquids trigger a feeling of fullness even before you have eaten. Preferably keep them at the end of the meal.

Eat at set times

This good habit helps to regulate the hunger signals sent by the body to stimulate appetite at mealtimes. Eat your three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) always at about the same and include a snack between each meal.

Consult a nutritionist who can give you more tips for regaining your appetite and enhancing the nutritional value of your meals.

Bon appétit!