A healthy meal is a great way to jump start or round off the day. Fueling our bodies with nutrients and hydrating often is the key to healthy living. Add a delicious meal to a table surrounded by friends and family and it’s a social event. If we make time to spend with those we love the most, we are bound to feel it in our hearts and the mood-boost will last throughout the week.
When we were younger and felt invincible, the things we ate never really crossed our mind regarding the effects foods may have on our body. Junk foods were a constant staple in our diets as young people, and while a treat from time to time isn’t a terrible thing, it is important to start making better choices and choosing healthy meals as we age.
Added sugars are the culprits in our diets, not the naturally existing sweetness that make up fruits and is a part of dairy items such as milk. The added sugars in our foods need be cut down to prevent future health complications in our senior loved ones. One way to begin limiting sugars for seniors is stop and actually look at the food labels on purchased items. Ingredients are often listed in order of how much used in the creation of the food product. If sugar is listed near the top of the ingredients list, then you know that is a flag and should be reconsidered. It may be surprising to realize non-sweet foods like tomato sauce contain lots of added sugar. Companionship from Senior Helpers of Chattanooga can provide transportation to the grocery store and also assist with food buying to help a senior loved one with weekly shopping. The extra set of eyes on the food labels can be beneficial and bring peace of mind to family who may not live close to help out on a regular basis.
While most of us are not overeating cookies and soda while also piling on the sugar on top of our meals each day, the calories from added sugar in foods can start to sneak up on us over time. The added sugars that exist in foods like breads, sauces and condiments can lead to unwanted calories and excess weight gain. It is important to try to limit sugars, especially for our senior loved ones who might have to deal with other possible health issues such as diabetes, possible tooth decay or heart disease.
Along with choosing healthy meals as we age, it is also important to remember to stay hydrated. As we get older and have to take more medications, it can be very easy to get dehydrated. It is important to drink plenty of water. Drinking low-fat milk and 100% juice is another healthy way to stay hydrated and healthy.
Fruits and vegetables are a wonderful way to boost overall health when incorporated in your diet on a daily basis. Fruits and vegetables don’t have to be fresh as frozen and canned offer similar benefits. Eat more dark green and orange vegetables like broccoli, carrots and sweet potatoes. Baked sweet potato fries are not only delicious but are packed in Vitamin A. Cinnamon-spiced baked apples are quick, healthy, and can be prepared in a microwave. Cut up some fresh apples, place in a microwave safe-bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg and teaspoon of brown sugar. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. This easy spring snack for seniors is less than 90 calories per serving and provides 3 grams of fiber.
If you would like to learn more about caring and consistent in home help and the many benefits of professional elderly care or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers of Chattanooga to speak to a senior care specialist today 423-710-1500! 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 elderly loved one is a veteran. In home senior care 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 Chattanooga provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Chattanooga, Hixson, Cleveland, Ooltewah, Signal Mountain.