Adequate protein intake is important for everyone but it often gets put on the back burner when considering what nutrients are important for your elderly loved one’s health. Many people think that body builders are the only ones who need to regulate their protein intake, but for your senior, it’s just as important, if not more.
Protein is found in every part of the body and is an important part of staying healthy and strong. Protein supports immunity, muscle mass, and strength. Without enough protein, your loved one is at risk of falls, injuries, and developing illnesses. As a senior, she might need even more protein than younger people because as we age, the body can have a more difficult time absorbing protein. Making protein a priority in your loved one’s diet is key to maintaining good health, and home care assistance can help.
Best Sources for Protein for Your Senior Loved One
Protein isn’t all about red meat so if your loved one isn’t a fan of red meat or if red meat is restricted due to other health concerns, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of sources of protein out there that your loved one may not be aware of.
Greek Yogurt.
Offering as much protein as red meat, Greek yogurt is one of the best sources of protein. It’s all packed with calcium and has very little sodium, fat, or cholesterol. It can be a great addition to breakfast or a snack during the day.
Lean meats and fatty fish.
Lean meats like chicken and turkey or fatty fish like salmon, all have plenty of protein for a main course. Fatty fish also have omega-3 fatty acids which are a key nutrient for good heart and mental health.
Beans and legumes.
If your loved one is a vegetarian, she may need to look at adding more beans and legumes to her diet to help increase her protein intake. Lentils, chickpeas, and beans are all filling components to a meal keeping your loved one feeling full longer.
Dairy products like cottage cheese and milk.
Having a glass of milk with a meal is an easy way to add a little protein into a meal and adding cheese to any meal will increase protein intake as well. Cheese is often packed with fat as well so it’s best to use it sparingly.
Protein-enriched foods.
From loaves of bread to cereals to granola bars, there are plenty of items on the food shelves that have extra protein added to them to help your loved one bring her protein intake up to where it should be for optimum health.
Home Care Assistance Can Help Implement a Protein-packed Diet
If your loved one is someone who typically hasn’t eaten a lot of protein-packed meals and snacks, implementing a new dietary change can be hard. Having a home care assistance team who can help your loved one meal plan and shop is one great way to help her find protein-rich products when she’s shopping and then enjoy them at home. Her home care assistance team can show her how to prepare the best foods for her to have a diet that supports her health.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care Assistance in Beverly Hills, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789.
