Talking to your senior parent about their weight can be tricky. But, if your mom or dad is overweight losing even a few pounds can make a significant difference in their health. Being overweight increases the risk that your mom or dad will develop diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses.
It can be very difficult for seniors to lose weight because often they can’t do the kind of exercise that is necessary to lose weight. If your mom or dad has limited mobility or finds it difficult to get around they are not going to be able to increase their physical activity much to burn more calories.
That means your mom or dad may need to make several lifestyle changes, like changing their diet, in order to lose weight. If you can’t be with your mom or dad all day every day having in-home care is a great way to provide the extra support they may need while trying to lose weight.
With in-home care, your mom or dad will have a care provider with them during the day who can encourage them to move more, help them make healthy meals and snacks, and help them stay busy so they don’t overeat because of boredom.
In addition to getting in-home care for your mom or dad, you can also try these things to help them lose weight:
Encourage a Balanced Diet
Help your parents plan meals that are rich in nutrients and low in empty calories. Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Reduce sugary snacks and processed foods while encouraging portion control. Try cooking healthy foods in new ways, like in an air fryer, so that your mom or dad enjoys them more.
Help Them Track Their Food Intake
Tracking meals and snacks can help your parent become more aware of what they eat and make healthier choices. Provide them with a simple food journal or introduce them to an easy-to-use app to log their meals.
Tracking calories and the foods they eat can give them a better understanding of how their diet affects their weight and health.
Suggest Chair Exercises
Even with limited mobility, your mom or dad can stay active. Chair exercises are a great way to burn calories, improve strength, and maintain flexibility. Activities such as seated leg lifts, arm circles, or light weightlifting with resistance bands can be done from the comfort of a chair. Look for online videos or classes tailored to seniors with limited mobility.
Switch To Protein-Rich Snacks
Protein helps keep seniors feeling full longer and supports muscle maintenance. Replace calorie-dense snacks like chips or cookies with healthier options such as Greek yogurt, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, or protein shakes. These alternatives are satisfying and help manage hunger between meals.
Address Stress Eating
Limited mobility, loneliness, and boredom can cause your mom or dad to stress eat. Help your parent manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or gentle stretching. Engaging in enjoyable activities like crafting, reading, or listening to music can also keep their mind occupied and reduce the temptation to snack out of boredom or stress.
Be Supportive
Positive reinforcement can really help your mom or dad as they try to lose weight. Celebrate small achievements, whether it’s a healthier meal choice or completing a new exercise. Offer words of encouragement and remind them of the progress they’re making, even if it’s slow. Staying positive and motivated is key to long-term success.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Covington, LA, please contact the caring staff at BrightCare Homecare today at (985) 224-0404
BrightCare Homecare is a top provider of home care services in the Northshore areas including Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Hammond, Ponchatoula, Slidell, Lacombe, Abita Springs, Goodbee, St. Tammany Parish, and more.
Through a personalized care plan, BrightCare Homecare provides the necessary services and care to cater to your unique personal and health needs. With us, we ensure around-the-clock services and supervision to help achieve optimum health and wellness.
We are 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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