The two things that seniors can do to make an immediate impact on their health is to exercise more and eat a healthier diet. But many seniors start to make healthy changes to their lifestyle and then quit. Usually that happens when seniors try to make too many changes too quickly. Making small consistent healthy choices when it comes to diet and exercise is the best way for seniors to see long term benefits in their health.
Even seniors who are at a healthy weight can improve their diets. Seniors who have trouble cooking healthy meals because of physical challenges can get home health care to help. Home health care providers can help seniors cook healthy meals. They can also help seniors shop for healthy foods. Some other easy ways that seniors can improve their diets are:
Drink More Water
Drinking an adequate amount of water is essential for seniors. Proper hydration supports digestion, cognitive function, and overall energy levels. Keeping a water bottle handy and setting reminders to drink throughout the day can help seniors stay hydrated.
Eat Mostly Vegetables and Fruits
Including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in meals adds essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the diet. Seniors should try to fill half their plate with fruits and vegetables during each meal. Replace sugary desserts with fresh fruit and eat at least one vegetable at every meal.
Choose Whole Grains
Seniors can still have rice, cereals, and pasta but they should choose items made from whole grains. Whole wheat bread, brown rice, and quinoa are healthier than refined grains. And they provide more nutrients and sustained energy. These grains also contribute to better digestion and a lower risk of chronic diseases.
Check Those Portion Sizes
Seniors should pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating. Using smaller plates and bowls can help control portion sizes visually.
Incorporate Lean Proteins
Including lean protein sources like chicken, fish, legumes, and tofu supports muscle health and provides essential amino acids. Seniors should have some lean protein with each meal.
Reduce Processed Foods
Minimizing the consumption of highly processed and packaged foods, which are often high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and added sugars, can improve overall diet quality.
Eat Healthy Fats
Including sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil supports heart health and provides a sense of satiety. Coconut oil is a heart healthy fat that can have a lot of health benefits for seniors.
Plan Meals
Planning meals ahead of time can help seniors make healthier choices. Preparing balanced meals and snacks prevents reliance on less nutritious options when hunger strikes. Home health care can help seniors plan and shop for healthy meals.
Snack Smart
Seniors should choose nutritious snacks like yogurt, nuts, seeds, whole fruit, or cut vegetables. Having these options readily available can prevent reaching for less healthy snacks. Cheese and whole grain crackers, protein shakes, and cottage cheese are also great for snacking.
Limit Sodium
Reducing sodium intake can support heart health and help manage blood pressure. Seniors can use herbs, spices, and other seasonings to flavor foods without relying on excessive salt.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care in Gainesville, TX please contact the caring staff at Arcy Healthcare today. Call (469) 293-1515
Providing In-Home Healthcare Services in Dallas, Plano, Lewisville, Gainesville, Frisco, Flower Mound, Denton, Dallas, Coppell, Carrollton, McKinney and surrounding areas.
My name is Jimmie Stapleton. I am the founder and CEO of Arcy Healthcare. Arcy Healthcare includes Arcy Hospice, Arcy Supportive Care, MaximaCare Home Health and Arcy at Home.
Arcy Hospice was opened in 2007 to provide care and support for individuals and families facing a life limiting illness. It was established after my wife Ellen, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had completed her chemo and radiation therapies. At that time, things were looking positive, and we wanted to do something for our community that had been so supportive of our family during her treatments. Unfortunately, the cancer returned a few years later, and she subsequently passed away under our care in 2010.
In the years that followed, I began to see the need to provide the same level of excellent care to patients across the continuum of care. Therefore, we have added a home health division (MaximaCare Home Health), a palliative care division (Arcy Supportive Care), and a home care division, (Arcy at Home). With the addition of these divisions, we can meet most of the post-acute care needs for you and your family in your home.
I started Arcy Hospice with my wife as my motivation to provide exceptional care and support in the patient’s home, where they are surrounded by family and where they feel most comfortable. I’m proud to say that our staff provides some of the best in home care in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
Please let us know if we can enrich the quality of life for you or a loved one.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Stapleton – Founder and CEO
Arcy Healthcare
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