Best foods to include in a dementia-friendly weekly meal plan

Eating well is important for everyone, but it’s especially helpful for people living with dementia. A good meal plan can help keep the body strong, support brain health, and make daily life a little easier. Here’s a simple guide to building a dementia-friendly weekly meal plan using foods that are both nutritious and easy to enjoy.

## Focus on Colorful Vegetables

Aim to include vegetables in many colors every day. Leafy greens like spinach or kale, bright orange sweet potatoes, and white cauliflower all bring different nutrients to the table. These veggies are packed with vitamins and fiber, which help the body stay healthy.

## Add Fruits for Natural Sweetness

Fresh fruits are not only tasty but also full of vitamins and antioxidants. Apples, bananas, berries, and oranges are easy to eat and can be enjoyed as snacks or part of meals. If chewing becomes difficult, soft fruits like ripe bananas or stewed apples work well.

## Choose Whole Grains

Whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, oats, and quinoa provide steady energy throughout the day. They also have fiber that helps digestion. Try swapping white bread or rice for whole grain options whenever possible.

## Include Lean Proteins

Protein helps keep muscles strong. Good choices include chicken without skin, fish (especially oily fish like salmon or mackerel), eggs, tofu