Part of helping your older family member to remain as healthy as possible is making certain they eat a healthy diet. Most experts consider a healthy diet to be one that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains and lean proteins. In addition, a healthy diet avoids certain things, including excess sugar. Added sugar is filled with calories and have no nutritional benefit. Eating too much sugar can cause weight gain as well as high blood sugar. If your aging relative tends to eat too much sugar, there are many things that can be done to help them eat less sugar, such as the suggestions listed below.
Get Rid of Table Sugar
Keeping a bowl of sugar on the table can tempt the senior to add a spoon of sugar to foods and drinks, like cereal and coffee. Of course, it’s not as easy as just taking the sugar off the table since the senior is likely to feel like their food is bland. Instead of cutting sugar cold turkey, encourage the older adult to gradually reduce the amount of table sugar they use until you can take it off the table.
Replace Sugary Drinks
Drinks like soda and sports drinks are loaded with sugar. Water is widely considered the best drink the best beverage for good health. However, some people prefer flavored drinks. Encourage the senior to switch to other healthier beverages, such as water infused with fruit for flavor or seltzer. Again, it may be helpful to make the change slowly, replacing a beverage per day.
Choose Fruit Wisely
Fresh or frozen fruits are the best choice when it comes to fruit. Of course, fresh fruit contains only the natural sugar of the fruit. The same is usually true of frozen fruits. However, it’s a good idea to read the nutritional label to confirm that there are no added sugars. When choosing canned fruit, pick brands that are canned in water rather than syrup. It’s especially important to avoid canned fruit that is packed in heavy syrup.
An elderly care provider can be your partner in helping your aging relative to reduce sugar in their diet. Elderly care can offer meal preparation services. Elderly care providers can cook meals according to guidelines set for the older adult, including a low-sugar diet. Elderly care providers can also offer the senior beverages throughout the day that replace sugary drinks with healthier options.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in Wilsonville, OR, please contact the caring staff at Integrity In-Home Care. Call today (503) 660-3755
Sources
Heart.org
Healthline.com