Seasonal eating means that foods are at their peak of freshness and taste their best. Seniors may find it challenging to eat seasonally if they have to expend a lot of energy planning meals and cooking food themselves. Putting a plan together for solving those issues can be as easy as enlisting the help of home care providers.
Include a Variety of Vegetables
The more diverse vegetables seniors are willing to eat, the better their overall nutrition will be. A common piece of advice is to “eat the rainbow,” which means consuming foods from all the different colors available. Purple carrots might not be available at every grocery store, of course, but the idea is a sound one.
Don’t Forget Fruits
While seniors consider a variety of veggies, they should also remember to add fruits. Lots of people avoid fruits because they assume they’re too high in sugar. However, the reality is that fruits also contain a significant amount of fiber, which helps offset the sugar.
Eating a wide range of fruits can help to satisfy a sweet tooth while also helping seniors get plenty of nutrients.
Canned, Frozen, or Fresh?
Another debate seniors might face is whether they should stick with fresh produce only or include frozen or canned varieties as well. It turns out that all of these are great choices. In the case of frozen or canned produce, checking the ingredient list can help aging adults avoid excess ingredients they don’t need, such as added sugars or excessive salt.
Home care providers can help seniors pay attention to what’s on sale at the grocery store, which helps them stick to what’s in season.
Gradually Increase Servings
When seniors first start eating more fruits and vegetables, they might get overwhelmed quickly. A better option is to gradually increase the number of servings they eat. Instead of trying to start out eating five servings of fruit and another five of vegetables each day, they might try eating one or two more servings than they ate the day before.
Gradually increasing the amount helps them to keep their digestive health in order while also enjoying more produce.
Check with Local Farmers’ markets
When seeking the seasonal best, farmers’ markets can be the best choice. These weekly markets often allow farmers to bring their produce directly to consumers. Farm boxes that seniors subscribe to can also be a great idea, especially if they include delivery.
Home care providers can help seniors with transportation if they want to get out and explore their options.
Eating more fruits and vegetables is an excellent way for seniors to get more nutrients in their daily diets. Seasonal choices are the best bet, and that is easier than aging adults might expect. Home care providers can offer additional suggestions to make this easier, such as preparing produce for seniors to ensure they can easily grab something and start eating.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Home Care in Los Gatos, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
