March is National Nutrition Month and it’s a good time for seniors to incorporate more healthy foods into their diets. A huge percentage of seniors are malnourished because they aren’t eating enough healthy foods. Dieticians stress that seniors should be eating a plant-based diet that includes some lean proteins and whole grains to make sure they are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Their companion care at home aides can help in their meal preparation and shopping for nutritious foods.
If your senior parent isn’t eating a healthy diet it could be because cooking is difficult for them. Or, it could be because getting to the store is difficult. Eating a lot of fresh healthy foods means going to the store frequently. Companion care at home can help your senior parents shop for the kind of nutritious foods they should be eating daily. Companion care at home can also help your senior parent cook healthy meals so they don’t rely on microwave meals or high-calorie takeout meals.
Make March the start of a healthier year by going over this list of healthy eating tips with your senior parent and helping them eat better all year long to protect their health and vitality.
Some things seniors can do to start eating healthier are:
Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods
Older adults should add nutrient-dense foods to their diets. Nutrient-dense foods are foods that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health and vitality without a lot of calories. Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats should be things that make up your senior parent’s diet.
Eat Watery Foods
Almost all seniors are at least mildly dehydrated. Drinking water will help seniors stay healthy and can lower the risk of some significant health problems. If your senior parent doesn’t like to drink water encourage them to add water-filled foods to their diet. Soups and broths are great, but foods like cucumbers, tomatoes, and leafy greens which have a high water content can also help prevent dehydration.
Include Protein in Every Meal
Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, strength, and overall health, particularly for older adults. Encourage seniors to include a source of protein at every meal, such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Fish is a fantastic source of protein for seniors. But, seniors who don’t like fish or struggle to eat meat can get high amounts of protein from foods like yogurt, cottage cheese, and protein shakes.
Healthy Fats Are OK in Moderation
Seniors do need to watch their fat intake, but it’s ok to have healthy fats in moderation. Healthy fats are things like avocados, hummus, olive oil, nuts, and dairy products.
Watch The Sodium
Older adults should be mindful of their sodium intake. Eating too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues. Encourage seniors to flavor their meals with herbs, spices, citrus, and vinegar instead of relying on salt for seasoning.
Focus On Fiber
Seniors need fiber for good digestive and gut health. Fiber can also help seniors maintain an even blood sugar level. Fiber-rich foods like whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes can help seniors have good digestive health.
Eat a Rainbow of Fruits and Vegetables
Seniors should be eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure they receive a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Encourage your senior parent to fill their plate with a rainbow of produce, including leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, carrots, bell peppers, and squash. Visiting the local farmer’s market for fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way for seniors to get out of the house and enjoy nutritious food.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Floral Park NY, please get in touch with the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call (631) 424-7827
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Long Island and in NYC including Dix Hills, Floral Park, Great Neck, Huntington, Manhasset, Massapequa, Northport, Plainview, Rockville Center, Stonybrook, Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens County.
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