Eating well is a necessity for everyone, but it is especially important for seniors who may be dealing with a number of age-related health issues. For those who are living in an assisted living center in OKC, eating healthy is easier because they have on-site nutritionists who will help with menu planning. However, if your senior loved one is aging in place or you are providing senior care, the following tips can help your senior family member ensure they get the proper nutrition.
Fruits and Vegetables
One of the best ways to make sure your senior loved one is getting the proper fruits and vegetables is to ensure they are eating every color of the rainbow. This isn’t always an easy process. Focus on bright-colored vegetables, as well as deep colored fruits, for the best source of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
Choose Whole Grains
Most people are used to eating processed flours. However, the processes used to make them can strip essential nutrients. Whole, enriched grain is the clearly obvious choice. In addition to things like whole grain bread and pasta, wild rice, brown rice and quinoa are excellent options.
Eat Low-Fat Protein
Red meat is typically considered a major source of protein, but the issue is it contains a lot of fat. This isn’t good for anyone, let alone those who are in senior assisted living. Instead, it’s better to choose other low-fat sources of protein. This includes, fish, eggs, nuts, poultry and beans.
Avoid Trans-Fats
There are some healthy fats, but trans fats aren’t one of them. These fats are associated with a number of health problems, many of them more common in aging individuals, including heart disease. Rather than cooking with bad oils, choose olive oil and plant-based spreads in your cooking and food preparation.
Reduce Refined Sugars
Most people enjoy some sweets every now and then, but when you are in your senior years, it’s important to your overall health to cut back on them. This can be difficult because so many surprising foods that would otherwise seem healthy can contain them. Products like fruit juices, yogurt and even ketchup all contain sugar. Read labels carefully and cut back on this ingredient as much as possible.
Low-Fat Dairy Options
Dairy is essential for vitamin D and calcium, which is needed for strong bones and good overall health. However, it also often contains high amounts of bad fats. It’s important to talk to your doctor about how much fat you should consume so you can select the right level for your dairy products.
Drink Plenty of Water
One of the most important rules of senior care is making sure to consume enough water. Many elderly people don’t realize they are thirsty until it’s too late and they are dehydrated.
Keeping seniors healthy means making sure they have the proper nutrition intake. An assisted living center in OKC will take care to prepare meals that ensure seniors get the right foods. However, if you are helping with senior care, it’s essential you know the facts as well.
If you’re looking for nutrition tips for a senior loved one, contact us. Our senior assisted living center ensures our residents eat as healthy as possible.