Live In Senior Care and Senior Super Foods

There are many senior super foods that are great for protecting our loved one’s health.  We can find ways to incorporate these foods into daily eating without having to change one’s diet drastically. It is important to try to limit sugars, especially for our senior loved ones who might have to deal with other possible health issues such as diabetes, possible tooth decay or heart disease.  Limiting sugars for seniors does not mean there will never be a piece of cake or pie in the future.  This just means that it should be more of a treat than a regular part of each day.  Perhaps a weekend day is the perfect cheat day with cake or ice-cream after a meal.  It’s important to find balance, when possible, for a healthy and happy outlook on life.  

Fresh and minimally processed are best when compared to other choices, but there are also senior super foods that an elderly loved one can eat that will boost their health in many ways.  Fruits and vegetables are so good for our senior loved ones, and there really aren’t any bad ones to choose from.  Apples, pears and blueberries are especially great sources of fiber and vitamin C.   Some delicious and healthiest vegetables like broccoli, asparagus and squash are great senior super foods.  These vegetables are great for lowering cholesterol and adding vitamins to the diet.  Asparagus is a good source of iron and protein and broccoli offers many vitamins including A, C, folate, and potassium.  Eye health and immune system boosts are the reasons why asparagus and broccoli are senior super foods.  Beans are another senior super food that is high in fiber, protein, calcium and vitamins.  These super foods pack in more antioxidants per bite than any other fruit or vegetable. 

When looking for meal options that include senior super foods, remember to keep salmon in mind.  This super food is high in omega 3 fatty acids that can reduce the risk of heart attack and lower blood pressure.  This protein is also low in fat and can be cooked in many ways to take on many flavors that will tickle the taste buds.

Coffee and tea are great senior super foods and also tasty drinks to start the morning with breakfast.  Coffee also has the ability to protect the heart and prevent respiratory disease, injuries, stroke and infections.  Black tea is beneficial as protection from various cancers and helps to boost the immune system.  Both coffee and black tea have been shown to protect against various diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.   Whenever possible, try to purchase unsweetened versions of the same type of foods.  Applesauce and canned fruits in juice can all be consumed without the added sugar and not sacrifice the flavor.  If cutting out added sugar completely sounds awful, try to just reduce the amount used per serving.  When buying a coffee or tea, try to use just one spoon of sugar instead of two.  Over time, reduce that by even more. 

There are some grains that can be included in the list of senior super foods.  Oatmeal when cooked is generally low in calories and provides high fiber, protein, iron and other minerals.  Oatmeal is a senior super food that will lower cholesterol.  Another option to add as a dinner side is quinoa.  Quinoa is a senior super food that can substitute pasta, rice, and other types of grains.  This super food is full of protein, antioxidants, mineral, high fiber, and is also gluten free. 

We have all heard the saying that “you are what you eat”.   We have learned that the better foods we eat, the better we will feel.  This is why it is important that we aim for low-fat, whole ingredients, and fresh food items to incorporate into our meal planning.  Eating properly and healthfully is the best way to maintain a healthy weight as well as the other many benefits of avoiding processed and fatty junk foods.

If you would like to learn more about caring and consistent in-home care for seniors, along with the many benefits of professional live in care for the elderly, or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers of Chattanooga to speak to a senior care specialist today 423-710-1500!   In home senior care allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need.   The compassionate senior care specialists at Senior Helpers can also guide you through the process of receiving the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Benefit if your elderly loved one is a veteran.   Senior Helpers of Chattanooga provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Chattanooga, Hixson, Cleveland, Ooltewah, Signal Mountain.