Foods Seniors Should Be Eating

A healthy, well-rounded diet is one of the best things that aging seniors can implement into their daily routine. Food is a chance to provide our bodies with the nutrients that we need to get through each day, and it is also an ideal way to help take care of a chronic condition such as heart disease or diabetes. Seniors should also keep in mind that their metabolism slows down with age, so they won’t need to consume as many calories as they did when they were younger. Our caregivers in Orland Park recommend the following approach to a healthy diet as well as an overall healthy lifestyle.

Build a Healthy Plate

Make sure to incorporate a variety of food types on your plate, but the main portion should be a lean protein like meat, seafood, eggs or beans. This protein can be accompanied by fruits and vegetables; the more colorful your plate, the better. Add a serving of whole grains like brown rice or whole-wheat pasta, but make sure you don’t overdo it or you may feel sluggish. Generally speaking, foods high in fiber are ideal and try to incorporate vitamin D when possible.

Utilize Recommended Serving Sizes

One of the most difficult parts of eating healthy is portion control. Consuming too much of one type of food means you aren’t eating a well-balanced diet. If you’re interested in learning about the portion sizes that are best for you, the American Heart Association has outlined the suggested serving sizes for each group of foods here.

Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated

Another important aspect of staying healthy with age is drinking enough water! It’s an extremely important nutrient that is necessary to live. It’s easy to become dehydrated and forget, so it’s important to incorporate water into your daily routine. Our caregivers near Orland Park can help remind you to drink enough water while we are with you!

If your loved one needs assistance preparing healthy meals, our caregivers near Orland Park are happy to help! Please contact us today to learn more about our services.