Good health is something seniors and family caregivers want and the basis is often a healthy and balanced diet. The problem is that seniors may have a tough time keeping up with preparing healthy meals and family caregivers may not be able to help. Medical adult day care centers offer so much help with senior nutrition, including ensuring that seniors get all of the elements of a balanced diet every day.
Focus on Fruits and Vegetables
The basis of a balanced diet for seniors includes tons of vegetables and fruits. These offer necessary fiber as well as healthy carbs, vitamins, and minerals that seniors need. Getting a mix of different vegetables and fruits allows seniors to enjoy a variety of flavors, too.
Seniors with challenges eating fruits and vegetables can get them in a variety of ways, like through smoothies.
Add Some Lean Proteins
Proteins are another vital nutrient for seniors because they support muscle mass and strength, which can decline for seniors as they age. Protein isn’t just found in poultry, meat, and fish, though. Beans, legumes, and other vegetables offer significant amounts of protein, too.
Medical adult day care centers make it easy for seniors to have access to good sources of protein without having to prepare those dishes themselves.
Include Dairy, if Possible
Dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt, are excellent sources of protein, healthy fats, and nutrients like vitamin D and calcium. Low-fat dairy options offer plenty of nutrients while also reducing some of the less helpful fats from seniors’ diets. Dairy choices like greek yogurt and cottage cheese are significant sources of protein and are easy to eat.
Seniors who don’t tolerate lactose very well may find that lactose-free versions work for them while also offering them the nutrients they need.
Whole Grains Are Important
Seniors with concerns about cardiovascular health issues, blood sugar issues, and more definitely need to look at including whole grains in their diets more often. These foods are high in fiber, help to protect heart health, and help to regular blood sugar levels. Whole grains are found in foods like brown rice, steel cut oats, and whole wheat pastas and breads.
Making just a few simple swaps from less nutritious grains, like white rice, to whole grain options can offer huge health benefits.
Healthy Fats Make a Difference
One aspect of senior nutrition that sometimes gets overlooked is the importance of healthy fats. Healthy fat options include seeds, nuts, avocados, olive oil, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and tuna.
Seniors who want to preserve brain health and battle inflammation need to ensure they’re including enough healthy fats in their regular diets.
Medical adult day care centers help seniors with many aspects of daily life that might be more difficult, including eating healthy diets that support their bodies and brains. Senior nutrition looks closely at what specific needs seniors have and helps to address those needs through delicious and healthy meals and snacks.
If you or an aging loved one are considering the assistance of a Medical Adult Day Care in Towson, MD, please contact the caring staff at Renaissance Adult Medical Center. Call (443) 501-9500
Renaissance Adult Medical Center Provides Senior Socialization in a Medical Adult Day Care Center in Baltimore City, Baltimore County (Pikesville, Towson, Owings Mills, Catonsville, Reisterstown, Dundalk, Essex), Howard County (Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Laurel), and in many other counties and cities of Maryland.
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