The New Year brings new resolutions like taking care of our bodies and eating better. Learning to eat well and fuel our bodies with nutritious and healthy foods is a daily process for many who have never given eating much thought. Many times, we feel hungry, so we reach for something that appeals to us; and if we wait until we are on the extreme of hunger, it can be especially difficult to eat something healthy. This is where meal planning and keeping fresh food options readily available comes into play.
Fresh and minimally processed are best when compared to other choices, but there are also senior super foods that an elderly loved one can eat that will boost their health in many ways. Fruits and vegetables are so good for our senior loved ones, and there really aren’t any bad ones to choose from. Apples, pears and blueberries are especially great sources of fiber and vitamin C. Some delicious and healthy vegetables like broccoli, asparagus and squash are great senior super foods. These vegetables are great for lowering cholesterol and adding vitamins to the diet. Asparagus is a good source of iron and protein and broccoli offers many vitamins including A, C, folate, and potassium. Eye health and immune system boosts are the reasons why asparagus and broccoli are senior super foods. Beans are another senior super food that is high in fiber, protein, calcium and vitamins. These super foods pack in more antioxidants per bite than any other fruit or vegetable.
There are many senior super foods that are great for protecting our loved one’s health. We can find ways to incorporate these foods into daily eating without having to change one’s diet drastically. Coffee and tea are great senior super foods and also tasty drinks to start the morning with breakfast. Coffee also has the ability to protect the heart and prevent respiratory disease, injuries, stroke and infections. Black tea is beneficial as protection from various cancers and helps to boost the immune system. Both coffee and black tea have been shown to protect against various diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Adding fruit to breakfast tends to be the easiest way to increase fresh foods in the daily diet. Adding a sliced banana and peaches to overnight oats is a delicious topping to an otherwise bland meal. Fruit drinks such as 100% orange and unsweetened apple juice also count as a serving, so have a half cup with breakfast to satisfy the need for healthier food options. If adding fruit to a meal isn’t always possible, perhaps keeping a bowl of fresh fruit in eyesight and hiding the cookie jar is the fastest way to success. Junk foods like sweet and cakes aren’t terrible if in moderation; but if the empty caloric foods are out of sight, and the fresh and delicious fruits are ready-to-eat, it becomes more likely when hunger strikes that an apple or banana is chosen.
For more information about nutrition tips about caring and consistent in-home elderly care and the many benefits of professional senior care or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers of Lansdale to speak to a senior care specialist today 215-699-5400! The compassionate senior care specialists at Senior Helpers can also guide you through the process of receiving the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Benefit if your aging loved one is a veteran. In home help for seniors allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need. Senior Helpers of Lansdale provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, peace of mind visits and so much more to all areas of Lansdale, Green Lane, Doylestown, Buckingham, Carversville, Chalfont, Colmar, Dublin, Erwinna, Forrest Grove, Fountainville, Furlong, Hilltown, Holicong, Line, Lexington, Lumberville, Mechanicsville, Montgomeryville, Ottsville, Perkasie, Pipersville, Quakertown, Richlandtown, Rushland, Sellersville, Souderton, Telford, Upper Black Eddy, Warrington, Harleysville, Hatfield, North Wales, Skippack, Worcester, Mainland, Cedars.