Eating a balanced diet is hard at any age but especially for a senior. Here at Compassionate Home Care Partners, we know how important it is for our clients to make sure they are eating a well-balanced diet. We’ve put together an overview of how to keep your loved one eating the right things for their health.
Tip # 1: Nutrients
To start, a well-balanced diet means you get all the nutrients your body needs. This is especially important for seniors. Some of the most important nutrients include:
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B
- Fiber
- Potassium
- Healthy Fats
Tip #2: Stick to the Basics
The most important thing to remember about diet and nutrition is the balance of the foods they eat. Make sure your loved one is eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, a few servings of dairy, meats that are lean, eggs, and nuts.
Your sense of taste gets weaker the older you get. That can make it difficult for a senior to eat their meals. A few tips to make food more appealing (while maintaining a healthy balance!) are:
- Less salt and add a variation of herbs and spices
- Offer more smaller meals instead of 3 large meals
- Mix it up! Don’t always cook the same thing
- Add different flavors and textures of food
Tip #3: Hydration
Perhaps the most important nutrition tip we can think of is hydration! Make sure your loved one has water nearby throughout the day. Try to limit or skip drinks with a lot of added sugars and/or salt.
Here at Compassionate Home Care Partners in Polk County, Florida, we know that you want your loved one to maintain their health and wellness. If you need advice or help with a nutrition plan, call us today at (863) 271-7776!
