According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 10 percent of the calories that people each day should come from added sugar. However, most people consume 14 percent of their calories in sugar. Of course, knowing how much sugar your aging relative is eating and doing something about it are two different things. If your family member has a sweet tooth, it might be difficult to reduce the amount of sugar they eat. Below are 5 ideas that might help.
#1: Avoid Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks, like soda, are one of the major contributors to added sugars in many people’s diets. Instead of reaching for soda, consider offering the older adult a glass of ice water or cup of unsweetened tea instead. If they don’t care for plain water, try making infused water by putting fruit or cucumbers in the water to add some flavor.
#2: Don’t Put Sugar on the Table
If the older adult adds teaspoons full of sugar to their cereal, coffee, or tea, it may help to simply leave the sugar off the table. If they can’t quit cold turkey, encourage them to gradually reduce the amount of sugar they use until they don’t need it anymore.
#3: Choose the Right Fruits
Avoid serving your aging relative fruits that are canned in syrup. Instead, choose those that have no added sugar. It can also help to strain and rinse canned fruits before serving them.
#4: Cut Back on Sweet Treats
Serve sugary desserts and other sweet treats only once in a while. Instead, offer the senior some fresh fruit or Greek yogurt flavored with cinnamon or fresh fruit.
#5: Be Careful with Condiments
Most people are unaware of how much-added sugar is in some kinds of condiments, like ketchup. In fact, some kinds of ketchup have a teaspoon of sugar for every tablespoon of the condiment. It’s important to read the nutritional labels and choose the brand with the least sugar. You might also consider skipping the condiments and using herbs and spices to flavor foods instead.
Elder care providers can help reduce the amount of sugar in your aging relative’s diet. Elder care providers can go grocery shopping with the senior and help them to make healthier food choices. Elder care providers can also prepare beverages for them that do not contain added sugars, such as a cup of tea or glass of infused water.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in Manhattan Beach, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Our number is 323-244-4789
Sources
Healthline.com
Heart.org
Verywellfit.com
Cdc.gov
