Eating a balanced diet is a vital part of keeping seniors with type 2 diabetes in good health. Understanding their nutritional needs is key! In this blog from Senior Helpers Boston, we'll dig into what foods he or she should be eating or avoiding, and how to plan menus or grocery lists that contain all the right nutrients (without straining their budget).
Eating Right With Type 2 Diabetes
1. Choose Fiber-Rich Foods
Great sources of fiber include nuts, beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that are cooked properly. Eating foods rich in fiber helps slow down digestion and the absorption of sugar. This is beneficial for regulating blood glucose levels.
2. Choose Protein
Protein is a vital part of a healthy diet for seniors with Type 2 diabetes. Good sources of low-fat protein include lean meats like chicken breast, tuna, and salmon as well as eggs and tofu.
3. Limit Refined Sugar Intake
Sugary snacks such as cookies, cakes, and other treats should be consumed only sparingly or cut out altogether. One common suggestion for seniors with a sweet tooth is to replace sugary sweets with fruit (fresh, frozen, or canned without added sugar). Fruit is a great option for a snack or dessert (and bonus: fruit contains lots of fiber!)
4. Cut Back on Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates such as white bread or pasta are also known to spike blood sugar levels quickly. Try substituting refined carbohydrates with complex carbs like quinoa, kasha, or brown rice instead.
Tips for Planning Menus
It helps to have a plan when it comes to meals, especially for seniors with diabetes. A healthy and tasty meal plan should be balanced with fiber-rich foods like fruits or vegetables and lean proteins like chicken breast or fish. Planning breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus ahead of time will help ensure that nutritious options are available when hunger strikes. This keeps seniors from veering off into unhealthy choices and reaching for chips, cookies, or other processed foods.
Tips for Making Grocery Lists
Once a menu is planned out, it's important to make a grocery list before heading to the store. This helps avoid overspending as well as buying things that aren't needed (or won't get used). The grocery list should include ingredients needed for all meals plus healthy snacks like nuts or low-fat cheese sticks.
Senior Helpers Is Here to Help Your Senior Thrive
Eating right with type 2 diabetes is about more than just knowing which foods are healthy for seniors. It's also important to plan meals and grocery shop in advance so that good nutrition is available on demand. By following the tips outlined above, it's possible to make better decisions when cooking for a senior loved one in Boston, Cambridge, Waltham, Watertown, Mattapan, West Roxbury, Hyde Park, and Norwood. To learn more about how our in-home caregivers can help maintain their health while eating tasty meals at home, contact Senior Helpers Boston today.