This article discuses the importance of simple dietary changes to help seniors stay healthy. Healthy eating is very important for senior citizens. Good nutrition helps to protect the body from illness and can slow the progression of certain diseases. Eating well also gives seniors much more energy, helping them get the most out of life.
Unfortunately, many seniors find it difficult to eat well. Seniors often find cooking difficult and resort to microwave dinners or fast food. In some cases, seniors lose their appetite and fail to eat enough throughout the day. Some medications can also interfere with vitamin absorption and may reduce a person’s appetite.
Fortunately, there are some simple strategies that can be used to ensure seniors obtain adequate nutrition. This article will share four of the best!
Focus on fruits and vegetables
Nutritionists suggest that fruits and vegetables are the most important component of a healthy diet. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, are a fantastic source of fiber, and provide a senior with the energy they need to get through the day.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of many illnesses including heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables should make up at least 50% of each meal you consume — approximately 2 cups of fruit per day and 2.5 cups of vegetables.
To many seniors, that may seem like a lot of fruits and vegetables to eat each day! The trick is to add fruits and vegetables to everything you eat. In the mornings, add fruit to your oatmeal or on toast. Use fruit for snacks throughout the day. Drink smoothies packed with fruits and vegetables. Add plenty of vegetables to your egg omelets. With a little creativity and planning, you will easily reach your fruit and vegetables goal!
Drink plenty of water
The human body uses water to remove toxins, hydrate cells, and regulate body temperature. Staying hydrated not only helps your organs work well, it helps a person think more clearly and feel healthier.
Unfortunately, many seniors don’t drink enough water throughout the day. The best tactic to address this problem is to make drinking water a habit. Start the day by having a glass of water, have water shortly after eating a meal, and drink a glass before going to bed. Keep a bottle of water handy so you can have a sip whenever you feel like one.
Increase the amount of fiber in your diet
Fiber is the indigestible portion of food that passes through your digestive tract. Eating foods that are high in fiber can help reduce a person’s risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and many other serious illnesses. Eating fiber makes you feel fuller, helps to remove toxins from the body, slows down the speed that carbohydrates are processed, and helps the body make healthy stools.
Fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains are all very high in fiber. You can make the switch to eating more fiber quite easily by making sure everything you enjoy is whole grain. Avoid processed products that contain white flower.
Eat healthy fats
Researchers have discovered that certain types of monounsaturated fats are very healthy for the human body. These “healthy fats” can raise the level of good cholesterol in the body while lowering the level of bad cholesterol.
Some of the foods high in good cholesterol include fatty fish, olive oil, beans and legumes, high fiber fruit, whole grains, avocados, flax seeds, nuts, chia and soy.
Seniors should also make an effort to cut back on saturated fats and trans fats — the so-called “bad” fats. Some of the products containing bad fats include butter, bacon, untrimmed meat, and fried foods.
How All Heart Home Care Can Help
All Heart Home Care can assist with simple dietary changes to help seniors stay healthy at home. Providing talented Caregivers by ensuring seniors get the help they need with diet and nutrition. Our Caregivers can help you maintain a healthy and nutritious diet by providing the following:
- Preparing healthy meals in the client’s home
- Ensuring the client drinks plenty of water each day
- Maintaining grocery lists
- Going grocery shopping to ensure the home is well-stocked with healthy food
- Preparing healthy snacks throughout the day
- Keeping the kitchen well organized, clean, and safe
We hope you found this article on simple dietary changes to help seniors stay healthy informative. If you have any questions about our services, contact All Heart Home Care at 619-736-4677. We offer complimentary in-home consultations and would love to discuss the many home care services available.
