Caregivers in Loxahatchee FL
Protein is one of the most important nutrients that your parent should be eating on a daily basis. Protein is the building block of tissue, meaning that it is responsible for building, repairing, healing, and strengthening muscles, tissue, skin, and even bone. Protein also acts as an energy source, boosts the immune system, and supports mental clarity as well as balanced blood sugar that prevents crashes and cravings. For many elderly adults, however, it is a challenge to get in the recommended amount of daily protein. Helping your parent find delicious and satisfying ways to bump up the protein in their diet can improve their health and their quality of life.
Try some of these simple tips for encouraging more protein in your loved one’s diet:
• Eat breakfast. It is common for elderly adults to just sip on a cup of coffee or tea in the morning rather than eating a true breakfast. This can compromise their energy and nutritional intake for the rest of the day. Get their morning started right with a balanced breakfast full of the nutrition that they need to have energy and think clearly. An egg has around 7 grams of protein, a serving of oatmeal has 6, and a cup of Greek yogurt has 10 or more. You can also make up a smoothie using tofu, almond milk, and protein powder for a breakfast that will tip the scales at 40 grams or more.
• Eat at every meal and snack. Make it your goal for your parent to eat protein at every meal and snack. This does not have to be a huge serving. A piece of string cheese or a smear of peanut butter combined with fruit make a satisfying and delicious snack or light meal.
• Do not just think animal sources. It is a common misconception that the only “true” protein comes from animal sources. This is not the case. If your elderly loved one does not eat animal products or has cut down on them, they can still enjoy plenty of protein. Sprinkle nuts and seeds on a salad, serve up protein-rich whole grain pasta for dinner, or enjoy sliced avocado with rice and vegetables for lunch.
If you are looking for a reliable way to encourage your aging parent to eat a healthier diet throughout their later years, home care may be the ideal solution. An in-home care provider can help your parent to not only understand the importance of eating a balanced diet full of all of the nutrients that they need to thrive, but also how they are able to accomplish this goal while still enjoying their favorite foods. This care provider can provide a full range of personalized services to help them accomplish this goal, including providing safe and reliable transportation to the grocery store to help your parent select the foods that are right for them, helping your parent research recipes that fit in with their dietary guidelines as well as their personal tastes, and meal and snack preparation assistance so that they can enjoy nutritious, satisfying food every day.
Source
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/daily-protein-needs-seniors-still-unsettled-201406117208
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Loxahatchee, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.