How to Avoid Processed Sugars When Cooking at Home is Hard

With age, seniors may lack the ability to cook or shop and tend to opt for the convenience of processed and fast foods. Frequent intake of these foods may harm their health since they have high levels of processed sugars. Processed sugar found in deserts, sodas, and sweets has increased the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Although it can be challenging for seniors to cut back on processed sugars, it is necessary. The list below highlights simple ways seniors can start avoiding processed sugars. 

Ideas on How Seniors Can Cut Down Processed Sugars

Avoiding processed sugars is easier now than it looks. Thanks to the listicle provided below. 

1. Consider Meal Prep-Services

A meal preparation service is a good option for seniors. Since most seniors may find it tiresome to prepare meals themselves, they can hire meal prep services to do it for them. These service providers will prepare nutrient-packed foods with no processed sugars for seniors. Delivered food tends to be healthy, nutritious, and much better than processed foods from grocery stores. Depending on where the senior lives, they can have their food delivered to them. 

2. Hire a Home Caregiver

Hiring a caregiver is also a viable alternative. The caregiver can prepare delicious home-cooked meals customized to fit the senior's dietary needs. A caregiver can plan and prepare meals for the entire week while keeping the senior's needs in mind. In addition, home caregivers will go grocery shopping and provide dinner companionship on a regular basis.

3. Check for Added Sugars in Processed Foods

For seniors who do not like to cook, canned foods are a useful and inexpensive addition to their diets. Check every label when purchasing canned foods at the local grocery store or food mart. Seniors need to avoid foods labeled 'added sugars' or 'packed in syrup.' Instead, opt for foods labeled 'no added sugars' or 'packed in water.' 

4. Spot Hidden Ingredients

Processed sugar is often a hidden ingredient disguised using scientific names. To start avoiding processed sugars unknowingly, check the ingredients list. Food manufacturers are required to disclose all the contents of processed food. Seniors should be on the lookout for names such as high fructose, maltose, sucrose, dextrose, invert sugars, glucose, or rice syrup since they may be difficult to spot. 

5. Avoid Sweetened Drinks

Processed sugars are almost entirely found in sugary drinks such as sweetened juices, cordials, fizzy drinks, or milkshakes. Instead of taking sweetened drinks, seniors can substitute them with water. The water can be flavored by adding lime or a slice of lemon.

Need Caregiving Services?

Cooking requires energy, and for seniors with limited mobility, it may no longer be as fun as it used to be. Senior Helpers Lee's Summit / South Kansas City offers senior in-home care services in Lee's Summit, Kansas City, and Blue Springs. Our professionally trained caregivers will ensure your senior loved one receives personalized care, including eating a healthy and balanced diet. Contact us today for more information.