Healthy Eating for the Elderly: Part Three

Now that you know what to look out for and how much of each food group your parents should be eating, here are some basic tips on how to eat healthier.

Reduce Sodium

Reducing sodium intake is a great way to prevent water retention, high blood pressure, and reducing the risk for heart complications.  Look closely at labels and pick low sodium versions of products when available.  Also, try seasoning their food with herbs and spices instead of sodium.  Using lemon juice in recipes instead of salt allows you to reduce salt intake without compromising flavor. For more information on S’alternative (salt alternatives) please visit www.thepacker.com.

Add Fiber

Adding fiber is a great way for the elderly to eat healthier. Adding fiber to your diet helps to avoid constipation, lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and can help maintain a healthy weight.  Just increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans.

Skip Boiling Veggies

The best way to preserve nutrients in your cooked vegetables is to steam them or sauté them in olive oil. Boiling your vegetables drains the nutrients so skip it.

Good Fats

Try using olive oil, salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts and avocados to protect your body against heart disease and raise your good cholesterol.

Bad Carbs

Avoid white flour, white rice, and refined sugars since they cause spikes to blood sugar levels.  Choose ‘good’ complex carbs instead, such as whole grains, beans, fruits and veggies.

Hidden Sugar

Sugar hides in unusual places cleverly disguised as corn syrup, molasses, cane juice, and fructose.  Check breads, canned goods, frozen dinners, fast foods and condiments for hidden sugars.  Choose low carb or sugar free options for tortillas, bread, pasta, etc.  Try to avoid artificial sweeteners too.  Your parents are better off using honey to sweeten drinks or fruit juice to sweeten dishes.

Avoid Skipping Meals

Try to make sure your parents aren’t skipping any meals.  Skipping meals causes your metabolism to slow down and can lead to bad choices later in the day.  Try to purchase easy to put together meals or healthy snacks that they can snack on throughout the day.

Source: helpguide.org.

We hope that you enjoyed our latest series. Our passion at Approved Home Health has always been to help people remain independent and stay in their homes, if that is their preference. If your loved ones need additional assistance, from daily personal care to assistance around the house, we’re here to help. Contact us to set up an at home nursing evaluation.