A Well-Balanced Diet Can Really Benefit Your Senior Loved One

 Tips for Planning a Well-Balanced Diet

There’s no doubt about it – as the clock ticks and we get older, our bodies begin to change as we age.  Not only do our bodies change but our senior parents need a much different diet than they did when they were in their 20s or 40s. And if you are a Caregiver of a senior, there are some tips to help you plan well-balanced and nutritious meals that are age appropriate. A wholesome, well-balanced diet can be the first line of defense in staying healthy. While planning meals for your loved one can be stressful for a busy Caregiver, it doesn’t have to be if you are prepared. Mealtime should be enjoyable and many seniors like variety at each meal. Before you head to the grocery store, sit down with your senior and make a list of foods they enjoy and foods that are beneficial to their healthy diet. It’s also important to:

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  Not shop hungry so you don’t buy junk food.
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  If your elder loved one comes along, make the trip enjoyable. Seniors love companionship and conversation.
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  Take advantage of coupons and look for additional discounts that are just for seniors.
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  Remember variety – encourage your parent to try something new.

To keep meals interesting and nourishing, encourage seniors to eat more fruits and vegetables by filling plates with colorful foods such as dark leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, lentils and beans. While variety is good, there are specific foods that are excellent staples for a senior diet.

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  Oatmeal and eggs. Oatmeal is full of fiber and can fight against heart disease. Eggs are packed with vitamins and minerals. Both foods are soft and easy to eat.
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   Yogurt is loaded with vitamins and calcium which is needed to prevent osteoporosis.
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   Blueberries and apples – antioxidants and vitamins.
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   Fish and chicken, which are low in fat and high in protein.
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   Broccoli, sweet potatoes and squash are loaded with vitamins.
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   Soy and rice – helps with bone health and a complex carbohydrate.
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   Dark chocolate in moderation can boost your good cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

It’s always a good idea to check with your elderly parent’s doctor before making any changes to their diet.

Having a wide variety of recipes available and being able to look at their tantalizing pictures sure helps. Just take your senior loved one online and let them look through recipes. Show her how to read the nutrition information. As long as the recipes coincide with any dietary restrictions she must follow, for example a diabetic diet for diabetics, then she could have a lot of fun picking out some recipes. A caregiver from a home care agency can help her go grocery shopping and fix nutritious meals.

If you have an aging loved one and are considering home care services, contact Interim HealthCare today. G+