If you have a senior loved one who lives at home or in assisted living in Peoria, AZ, you may be worried about the food they are eating. This is an important part of longevity and something you should pay close attention to. As a person ages, their nutritional needs can change. They require a diet that is full of protein, vegetables, grains and fruits to remain healthy. Some tips that will help ensure seniors follow a good diet can be found here.
Watch the Calorie Intake
There are millions of people who go for years without ever tracking the number of carbohydrates, calories or proteins they eat. Even though some seniors are lucky enough to not have issues related to too much of these substances, this isn’t the case for everyone. As a result, it is best to help a senior reduce their intake of sodium, fats and carbs if they have health issues. Our daily eating habits change as our bodies get older. Make small adjustments to help you enjoy the foods and beverages you eat and drink.
- Add flavor to foods with spices and herbs instead of salt and look for low-sodium packaged foods.
- Add sliced fruits and vegetable to your meals and snacks. Look for pre-sliced fruits and vegetables on sale if slicing and chopping is a challenge.
- Ask your doctor to suggest other options if the medications you take affect your appetite or change your desire to eat.
- Drink 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk throughout the day. If you cannot tolerate milk try small amounts of yogurt, butter milk, hard cheese or lactose-free foods. Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
- Consume foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as fortified cereals.
This is something you can speak with the staff at the assisted living facilities in Peoria, AZ about as you are searching for assisted living Arizona communities. You can also call our staff at A Caring Hand for Mom at 800-881-7706 who can help guide you as you look for healthy options to stay home longer or look for assisted living alternatives.
Consume Foods Full of Nutrients
While eliminating as many unhealthy foods from your senior loved one’s diet as possible is a good first step, it is also necessary to implement more nutrient rich foods into their diet. This means fat-free and low fat dairy products and whole grains, as well as seafood, lean meats, nuts and beans and vegetables and fruits. Make sure you eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need. Your plate should look like a rainbow—bright, colored foods are always the best choice!
A healthy meal should include:
- Lean protein (lean meats, seafood, eggs, beans)
- Fruits and vegetables (think orange, red, green, and purple)
- Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat pasta)
- Low-fat dairy (milk and its alternatives)
Remember to choose foods that are high in fiber and low in sodium or salt. Also, look for Vitamin D, an important mineral as we age. These are the items that will help them remain healthier, longer.
The good news is, the majority of assisted living facilities in Peoria, AZ will implement these type of diets to ensure their residents get the nutrients they need to remain healthy. If you are unsure, it is always good to ask questions so you can provide a better diet if necessary.
Learn more about eating right during your golden years by visiting the A Caring Hand for Mom and Dad website and call us today at 123-881-0000 our services are free to our clients and their families, we are happy to help you.
