Obesity is one of the biggest problems in the U.S. It increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers. It’s estimated that almost 43% of adults over 60 are obese, and your mom is among that population.
Her doctor recommends she reduce her weight. She’s told that even a 10% decrease can lead to positive changes. How do you help her get to a healthy weight?
Stock Up on Healthier Foods
Go through your mom’s kitchen and get rid of all processed foods. Canned soups and pasta dishes often have added sugar and too much sodium. Frozen meals are high in fat, sugar, and sodium. She wants to embrace a diet that focuses on foods full of the nutrition she needs.
Your mom needs to stock her kitchen with plenty of fresh and frozen produce. She wants to have whole grains over white rice and pasta. In place of boxed cereals that often have added sugar, purchase old-fashioned and make muesli with oats, seeds, nuts, and dried fruit.
Elder Care in Seminole FL
Stock up on canned beans. Low-sodium versions are ideal. Make sure your mom knows to rinse them before using them, as rinsing them off reduces the amount of sodium she consumes. Dried lentils are also beneficial.
Lean protein options are essential. Poultry is better than beef. Fish is best as it contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Canned tuna and sardines are good to keep on hand, especially if they’re lower in salt and packed in extra virgin olive oil or water.
Learn Portion Sizes
Ask your mom’s doctor about having her work with a dietitian. Learning what a proper portion is can be an important step in weight loss. She’s used to restaurant-sized portions, but they’re often three or four times a proper portion size.
A dietitian can help your mom understand portions and how to create meals that meet her nutritional needs. She’ll also learn menu planning and shopping tips.
Increase Her Daily Activities
Your mom’s caloric intake needs to match her activity levels. If she’s sedentary, it’s time to find activities she enjoys. If she likes to walk, daily walks help her stay active. In inclement weather, a walk on a treadmill is ideal. She may find she likes Tai Chi, so make sure she knows how to find beginner videos at home.
Consider Meal Planning and Preparation Services From a Home Care Agency
Would elder care services help your mom master smarter eating habits? She can have caregivers available to help her prepare meals that match her dietary needs. They can remind her to be active throughout the day.
Find out more by making a call. An elder care specialist is happy to answer your questions and create a care plan that matches your mom’s goals with healthy eating.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elder Care in Seminole, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
