Simple Senior Home Care Meal Prep Ideas for Healthier Eating

Senior Meal Prep: Home Care Shelter Island NY

One of the best ways you can help your aging loved one continue to live a fulfilling and active life is to help make sure what she’s putting in her body as far as food and drink are healthy choices that will sustain her and keep her satisfied. Eating well can sharpen the brain as well as give the body the energy and stamina it needs for your loved one to be able to continue to be active and do the things that bring her joy.

Home Care

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task that involves buying exotic foods and preparing meals for hours on end. It can start with just a few simple changes that your loved one might not even notice. It can also help to have the assistance of a home care provider who specializes in preparing meals and snacks that fit your loved one’s dietary needs.

Here are five steps for your loved one to stay healthy (and they work for you as well!).

Drink Plenty of Water

Yes, the first step doesn’t even involve food. It involves hydration. Why is this? Because staying well hydrated (i.e.: drinking plenty of water) aids in the digestion of what your loved one eats as well as her body being able to absorb the nutrients from her food. She can still enjoy her caffeinated drinks occasionally, but the bulk of her hydration should come from water.

Eat Lean Protein

By swapping out high-fat red meat and cured meats with lean proteins such as chicken and fish, your loved one can get the protein she needs without the fat or the salt. Protein is important for your loved one to have the strength and stamina she needs to be active each day.

Snack on Fresh Veggies and Fruits

Instead of chips or cookies, have plenty of chopped-up fresh veggies and fruit for your loved one to enjoy between meals. Your home care provider can help by chopping up produce and storing it in the fridge so your loved one can grab what she wants when she needs it.

Reduce Overall Sodium Intake

High levels of sodium can cause high blood pressure and heart issues. Look for low-sodium foods when purchasing prepackaged foods as well as look for options other than sodium to flavor fresh meat and vegetables at home. There are plenty of sodium-free seasonings to be found on the shelves of your local grocery store.

Finally, have your loved one eat a nice balance of foods from all groups to ensure she is getting all of the nutrients and vitamins she needs. She might have a few comfort foods she always gravitates toward, but have her home care provider introduce new foods so her body gets everything it needs to stay healthy and strong.

Having a plan can help make those healthy food choices so much more simple when your loved one is feeling hungry.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Shelter Island, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.