For good health and nutrition, seniors need a well-balanced diet. Eating well protects them from conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. A healthy diet means eating various foods, decreasing salt intake, and limiting sugar, saturated fats, and trans fats. The more colorful the food on their plate is, the better it is for them. Adding in-home care helps seniors ensure they get what they need regarding their diet. With meal planning, grocery shopping, or even cooking, home care helps seniors succeed.

What Does a Well-Balanced Diet Look Like?

Loved ones and seniors may wonder what a well-balanced diet looks like. The National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute states it’s important to focus on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Seniors can also eat lean meats such as poultry and fish. Eggs and nuts are excellent sources of nutrition as well.

In-home care can assist seniors in finding the proper diet for them based on their needs. Certain conditions might require a specific diet, like the ones listed below, to maintain optimum health.

Healthy Eating is Essential for a Healthy Life - Chronic Disease and Diet

When considering how a healthy diet can benefit seniors, it’s easy to understand why it’s so important. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control states that heart disease is the number one reason for adult death in the United States. To maintain a heart-healthy diet, paying attention to portion controls, eating fruit and vegetables high in fiber, and choosing low-protein sources are essential. Low protein sources simply mean choosing the grilled chicken over breaded chicken. Adding in-home care to seniors' meal-time routines helps them learn more about healthy choices and provides them with cooking support.

For seniors suffering from diabetes or pre-diabetes, it’s more important than ever to get their diet under control. Like the heart-healthy diet, they should maintain portion control. Those suffering from pre-diabetes should also eat a diet rich in high-fiber foods, drink their recommended daily amount of water, and cut out sugary foods and drinks. Exercising regularly, even if it’s just ten minutes a day, will increase their potential for a healthy life.

There is no way to eliminate cancer risk, but seniors can eat a diet that may help them prevent cancer. Like the other diets listed, seniors should focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, decrease carbohydrates and sugars, and stay active. Making small daily changes can help seniors maintain the diet they need to keep them healthy and active for a long time.

Supporting Dietary Changes

As seniors prepare to change their diet, they need a supportive team knowledgeable about healthy meal planning. This team can be found in senior home care. A supportive in-home care team can help seniors understand why choices are beneficial and teach them how to make certain foods they might not be familiar with. Additionally, talking with medical professionals about the best diet for certain conditions is a good idea. With help, seniors can gain control of their life by eating healthily.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring In-Home Care in Marina Del Ray, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Our number is 323-244-4789.

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