Cooking Through Fall Tips and More
In-Home Care in Wilmington
The temperature cools in October, the leaves change color and fall from the trees, and people go from T-shirts and shorts to jeans and sweaters. This is even true for your senior mom or dad. They may start wearing thicker clothes, because their body temperature regulations differ from yours.
It is also when many individuals seem to drastically alter their eating habits. As a result, this is a good time for seniors and those establishing senior diet programs to take a step back and pay closer attention to diet and nutrition. This is a crucial part of healthy aging, and yet it is something seniors avoid. If your mom or dad is struggling to eat or cook, it's time to consider hiring in-home care to help them with this summer-to-fall transition.
Summer to Fall Transition in a Senior Diet
As the temperature cools, people convert from light summer meals and cool beverages to heavy comfort dishes that bring warmth. For example, some individuals may choose a salad for supper in the summer. However, when the seasons change, dishes such as casseroles, meatloaf, roasts, and soups or stews become increasingly popular. These foods may contain extra fat, so individuals should be cautious about what they consume. In-home care may help your seniors cut down on fat and make healthier meal options. Or simply remind them to eat at meal times.
Moderation and a Variety of Color Are Crucial to Healthy Eating Habits
What's critical to remember when developing a senior diet plan is that eating healthily doesn't mean you can't ever eat the foods you like. There are several techniques to make heavier and fattier dinners healthier, such as grilling or baking instead of deep frying. Fatty, calorie-dense meals are not necessarily restricted, but should be consumed in moderation.
Meals with meat and carbohydrates are particularly appealing to seniors. They do not have to deprive themselves, but portion management is essential. When it comes to veggies, you want to see a wide range of hues when you sit down for a meal. You should choose both a red, yellow and even a green veggie. According to nutritionists, half of the dish should be colored.
Think About Hydration Even When It's Cold
Apart from fat consumption, other factors to consider when developing senior diet programs include regulating salt or sugar intake and ensuring enough fluid intake. Seniors consume less water and eat less than their younger colleagues. Seniors have a natural propensity to drink fewer fluids, since they spend more time inside and obtain less physical exercise. Summer drinks should be substituted with hot liquids, such as tea, coffee, and soups.
Many seniors choose to age in place, and that can be great for individuals. However, this may also lead to them forgetting to eat and drink. Sometimes in-home care is a great option for seniors, who simply need to be reminded to do certain tasks. They may ask the senior to start their crockpot meal, or just remind them to drink a few more ounces of fluids a day. In-home care professionals can ensure senior transitions from summer to fall with ease.