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Tips for Seniors Struggling to Shift to a Healthier Diet

With gradual adjustments and the support of loved ones and companion care at home, seniors can easily make the transition, resulting in better health and well-being.
Companion Care at Home in New Iberia LA

It can be difficult to switch to a better diet, particularly when long-standing eating habits are in place. However, with gradual adjustments and the support of loved ones and companion care at home, seniors can easily make the transition, resulting in better health and well-being.

  • Start with Minor Adjustments: In most cases, it’s not necessary to drastically change seniors’ diets all at once. Instead, they can start with simple, doable changes like switching from white rice to brown. Even minor adjustments improve their diet’s fiber and nutrient content without significantly changing the way they eat. With the help of companion care at home, they can make a list of small changes to make and start checking them off as the days go by.
  • Add Vegetables and Fruits: It doesn’t have to be difficult to include more fruits and veggies in the diet. First, seniors should ensure each meal includes one serving of fruit or vegetables. This is easier than it might seem, as vegetables can be added to many recipes. Also, while seniors might struggle with incorporating fruits into their meals, they can opt for them when looking for a snack.
  • Select Lean Proteins: Making the switch to lean protein can be challenging for some seniors. However, doing so can drastically improve their diet. Companion care at home can help them experiment with this to see what works best.
  • Focus on Portion Sizes: Portion control and calorie management are two benefits of paying attention to portion sizes. To help with portion control and prevent overindulging, seniors can be encouraged to use smaller plates and pay attention to their bodies to know when they’re full rather than continuing to eat to clean the plate.
  • Reduce Added Sugars: Reducing added sugars can significantly benefit seniors’ health and well-being. Companion care can encourage them to start small, cutting back on the sugar they have in their tea or coffee. Also, seniors can learn to read food labels to know how much sugar is in their favorite foods. Finally, they can experiment with naturally sweet things, like fruit.
  • Pay Attention to Hydration: Water consumption is essential for sustaining health and energy levels. Seniors should focus on drinking at least eight glasses of water a day at minimum. If they struggle with plain water, they can try flavoring it with a slice of lemon or a dash of fruit juice. Two other alternatives for staying hydrated are herbal teas or foods with a high water content.
  • Focus on Meal Planning: Seniors can maintain a better diet by organizing their meals each week. At the beginning of each week, they can prepare their meals with the help of companion care at home to help them stay on track of their dietary goals. This also allows them to take their time and focus on foods that might be on sale.
  • Choose Whole Foods: When possible, seniors should choose whole, unprocessed foods. Whole grains, lean meats, fresh produce, and low-fat dairy products are examples of foods that are high in nutrients yet low in added sugars and bad fats. Also, companion care at home can encourage them to steer clear of packaged and highly processed foods.

Making the switch to a healthier diet doesn’t have to be difficult. With the help of home care, seniors can lead a healthier lifestyle by focusing on introducing nutrient-dense meals into their daily routine and making small adjustments along the way until they reach their goals.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in New Iberia, LA, please contact the caring staff at BrightCare Homecare today. Call (337) 279-5466
BrightCare Homecare is a top provider of home care services in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, New Iberia, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Opelousas, Sunset, Crowley, Abbeville, Scott, Cecilia, Port Barre, Iota, and the surrounding areas.
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