Good nutrition is essential for all age groups in order to have a healthy body. It can be achieved by having a healthy and balanced diet, which enables our body to receive all the nutrients it requires. It will provide us with the needed energy and can aid us in controlling our weight. It enables our bodies to prevent some illnesses like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer. However, as we reach older adult years, our bodies, and lives change. The same can be said of the things we require for us to remain healthy. To give an example, our calorie requirements may become lower; however, we still have to get the right amount of nutrients. Some of the seniors’ protein requirements are higher than others. Read on to know the various ways we can eat healthily as we age like what a healthcare professional like a caregiver in Pennsylvania will recommend.
- Consume foods that provide a lot of nutrients minus the extra calories.
It’s highly recommended in senior care that we older adults eat the type of foods that contain a lot of nutrients but don’t have lots of extra calories like vegetables and fruits, whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, etc., milk and cheese that are free or low in fat, seafood, poultry, lean meats, and eggs, and beans, seeds, and nuts. - Drink ample amounts of liquids.
Home health care professionals stress that we need to consume ample amounts of liquids in order for us not to be dehydrated. There are individuals whose sense of thirst disappears as they reach their older adult years. There are particular kinds of medications that make it essential to drink a lot of fluids. - Choose foods that contain low cholesterol and fat.
We should put emphasis on avoiding the intake of trans and saturated fats. Saturated fats are those from animal sources. Trans fats refer to those processed fats contained in vegetable shortening and margarine. We can find them in the baked products we buy in stores as well as the fried foods which some fast-food restaurants offer. - Stay away from empty calories.
There are several foods and beverages that contain a lot of calories but not many nutrients like candy, chips, baked goods, alcohol, and soda. We should avoid consuming these types of foods and drinks. We may ask for assistance from our in-home care staff in identifying other foods that contain empty calories.
At New Hope Home Care, our highly proficient healthcare professionals can aid you in eating healthily and in keeping your well-being in general. Feel free to contact our home care in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
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