Living with high cholesterol can be a challenge for seniors. In addition to medical treatment, changing your diet can significantly improve cholesterol levels. By adopting an appropriate cooking plan that is tailored to the senior's condition and individual circumstances, meals will not only be enjoyable but can also contribute to better health outcomes. This guide provides practical tips on how seniors can start managing high cholesterol levels and how to meal prep and cook healthy dishes at home.
Choosing Healthy Ingredients
When managing high cholesterol levels, it is important to focus on choosing diets that are low in saturated fat, salt, and added sugars. Lean proteins like fish, poultry, and beans are nutritious sources that do not have a lot of saturated fat. Seniors can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables whether they are raw or cooked. They also make great snacks for health-conscious seniors. Replace unhealthy refined grains such as white bread with whole wheat alternatives wherever possible. As fats help absorb vitamins more efficiently into the body, look for monounsaturated fats options when shopping for cooking oil (olive oil is a great choice!).
Making a Grocery List
To make things easier at the grocery store, it is beneficial to consult a doctor or dietitian to get a clear understanding of the type of food that should be avoided. From there, seniors and their caregivers can come together to create an efficient grocery list prior to shopping. Focus on purchasing healthy items and those that can feasibly be worked into the weekly meal rotation.
Bulk buying items such as dried herbs and spices can also help save valuable resources throughout the month. This will help leave more room for indulging in healthier options like fresh fruits or snacks on occasion.
Plan and Prepare Ahead of Time
Meal prepping can help seniors in managing high cholesterol levels and make their cooking process more organized and convenient. Planning ahead helps seniors save a considerable amount of time in the kitchen while working towards maintaining a balanced diet. This could involve portion control techniques or dubbing certain days as "cooking days" where seniors can cook dishes in bulk to enjoy multiple meals throughout the week.
Menu plans are ideal for those looking to get out of their cooking routine. Many seniors find that meal prep services are great for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In fact, services like HelloFresh and EveryPlate can send curated boxes directly to a senior's home. This may contain all the ingredients that they need for a week's worth of meals.
Senior Helpers Can Help With Meal Planning and Preparation
Small lifestyle changes and modifications can help in managing high cholesterol levels in seniors. By following these tips, seniors can rest easy and relax knowing that their food choices are health-conscious yet also delicious.
Senior Helpers provides the best quality senior care solutions to seniors in Akron, Medina, Wadsworth, Barberton, and Summit County, including assistance with healthy meal preparation. Contact us today to learn more about the services that we offer!