Foods You Should Avoid as a Senior
Suggestions for Healthy Eating from the Home Instead Team
Aging changes us. Besides failing sight and hearing, bones may become brittle, or your footing seems unsure. The foods you once enjoyed no longer taste the same or ill-fitting dentures make it painful to chew. When you do find something you enjoy eating, you do not necessarily care if it is unhealthy. However, in this season of life, it is imperative to your health to eat nutritionally rich foods.
Learn the foods to avoid so that you can make the best decisions for your nutritional needs. There are many types of meat, vegetables, and fruits you can partake. Remember to make your plate colourful. If you or your loved one has trouble with cooking, a well-trained caregiver from Home Instead Hamilton can help fix nutritious meals.
Foods to Avoid in a Senior's Diet
Now is not the time to put yourself on the latest fad diets. Remember to make wise choices about what you put on your plate and avoid these foods:
- Grapefruit: This citrus fruit may taste great peeled or cut in half with your cereal, but it can affect the way some medicines react with your body. If you take a prescription that warns against eating grapefruit, it is important to heed that warning.
- Sodas and Sugary Drinks: These drinks may taste good on a hot day, but the amount of sugar in them can exacerbate medical issues such as diabetes.
- Diet Drinks (Sugar-Free): The artificial sweeteners may cause health problems and weight gain. The low calories may seem like a good thing but not at the risk of consuming too much because of a sweet tooth.
- Alcohol: A glass of wine or a beer with dinner is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it can disrupt your sleep and raise blood pressure. It can also affect diabetes and the way some medicines react to your body.
- Caffeine: It may serve you well to reduce or eliminate your caffeine consumption since it can increase your heart rate or cause problems sleeping.
- High-Salt Foods: Limiting your sodium consumption can help in reducing your blood pressure. You can reduce the sodium in your foods by avoiding processed food and reading labels carefully.
- Raw Sprouts: There are some health risks to a weakened immune system because these foods can harbour bacteria. It is better to cook them.
- Empty Calorie Foods: Fast food and highly processed foods do not provide the nutrition density you need. Refrain from indulging in empty calories and opt for nutritious, albeit not-so-quick, dinners.
Trusted Senior Care Services to Help in Healthy Eating Habits
Enjoy better health and longevity when you avoid the foods that are likely to cause you trouble. With the help of a highly-trained caregiver from Home Instead, you or your loved one can get the help needed to cook nutritious meals that will enhance your life. Our staff can also assist with companionship services, personal care, or respite care. We offer a variety of customizable service plans to help families and seniors enjoy this season of life.