A healthy diet is important at all stages of life. When we get older, however, our diet is vital for our health and well-being. Our caregivers at A+ Home Care work with seniors every day to help them make the kinds of dietary changes that boost their health. Here are some of the best suggestions!
Home Cooking for Your Health
As we get older, it can be tempting to eat out or order in, especially now that so many more restaurants and fast-food establishments offer delivery. Unfortunately, this is bad for both your pocketbook and your health. The first step in healthy eating is to bring food prep back into your kitchen.
Half-It
We don’t mean the portions (we’ll cover that later) we mean what you put on the plate. For seniors, half of the portioned plate should contain fruits and vegetables. With fruits and vegetables, you have a lot to choose from. Some of our favorite choices that can provide much-needed nutrients (including calcium) include,
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Oranges
- Spinach
- Blueberries
Vary Your Proteins
Proteins are an important part of a senior’s diet, with different sources providing different additional benefits as well. For example, salmon is a good source of the kinds of fatty acids that can reduce cholesterol. Lean cuts of red meat provide much-needed iron and B12 while keeping your fat intake low. When you plan meals, rotate your proteins and be sure to add a variety of beans with them.
Exchange Soda and Concentrated Juices for Water
Soda may taste delicious, but it isn’t healthy for seniors (or anyone really). Drinking concentrated juice may feel like you’re getting your fruit intake, but really, you’re just overloading your system with sugar. Ditch both in favor of water, which will help you stay hydrated better, and offers other benefits, such as helping you maintain healthy body weight and better oral health.
Healthier Alternatives: Replace Sugary Snacks with Fresh Fruit
Snacking through the day can be healthy if you eat the right kinds of foods. Replace sugary or starchy snacks with healthy fruits and berries. Fresh apple slices, bananas, oranges, a variety of berries, and plums are all good snack choices. Plums are especially good because they’re high in fiber. Meanwhile, studies on prunes (dried plums) indicate that they may reduce bone loss.
Watch Your Portions
Portion control is one of the most important parts of a healthy diet. Too much of anything can be bad, especially for seniors. Keep portion sizes small to moderate to ensure you don’t overeat. If your senior is frustrated by meals, reduce the portion sizes smaller and add an extra meal into the day. Often smaller portions are more inviting to reluctant eaters.
Limit Sodium
Sodium is another factor in poor senior health. Reducing sodium, however, is about more than using less salt. Some ways to reduce sodium include,
- Cooking with fresh ingredients
- Using frozen vegetables instead of canned
- Using single-ingredient spices instead of seasoning packets or bottles
A+ Caregivers in Williamsport PA Promotes Better Health
Our caregivers ensure your senior loved ones are living healthier lifestyles by maintaining a healthy diet. Do you or your loved one need a
caregiver in Williamsport? We offer a
wide range of services to help seniors and those with special needs live their best lives.
Contact us to set up an appointment.
