Fiber is an essential part of any diet, but many adults do not get enough of it. High-fiber diets lower the risk of certain cancers, constipation, diabetes, and heart disease. If your mom and dad don’t get enough fiber, they may be putting their health at risk. How can you help them?

Start by understanding the recommendations for fiber. Adults should get 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber each day. Supplements are not a recommended way to get that fiber. They need to be eating foods that are high in fiber at every meal.

Examples of Fiber-Rich Foods

What foods offer the most fiber? Here are some of the options your parents have.

 

#1 – Artichokes

Have your parents ever had an artichoke? This unique vegetable is technically a thistle that has a mild flavor. The leaves contain some flesh that’s scraped off with the teeth. Once the leaves are removed, the inside heart is cleaned of fuzz and eaten whole.

Steaming the artichoke globes doesn’t take too long, so they’re easy to prepare. One artichoke has 7 grams of dietary fiber.

#2 – Avocado

Here’s a quick and easy way to boost your parents’ fiber intake. Make a smoothie with half an avocado. That avocado half has 7 grams of dietary fiber. Make a batch of guacamole and serve it with some whole grain baked tortillas for a quick, fiber-rich snack in the afternoon.

#3 – Chick Peas

Chickpeas or garbanzo beans contain a whopping 16 grams of fiber per cup. If your parents like a salad for lunch, rinse a can of chickpeas, toss it with some fresh parsley, garlic, diced red pepper, canned tuna in olive oil, and lemon juice.

# 4 – Raspberries

One cup of fresh raspberries has 8 grams of dietary fiber. They’re a quick sweet snack. You can also add them to your dad’s yogurt parfait or oatmeal, toss them into a salad, or make salsa from them and serve them on grilled chicken.

#5 – Steel-Cut Oats

Just one-quarter cup of uncooked steel-cut oats has 5 grams of dietary fiber. If you add a tablespoon of flax seeds, that adds another 3 grams. Top that with raspberries for another 8 grams. That’s half of what your mom and dad need in one bowl.

Is It Time to Hire Home Care for Meal Preparation?

Do your mom and dad struggle to make nutritious meals that meet dietary requirements? Home care services are worth a closer look. Caregivers can shop for groceries and make meals for them.

With home care, your parents get all of the nutrients they need. They have someone there to join them for a meal. Home care aides will also clean up the kitchen when the meal is over. Call to learn more.

Sources:
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/increasing-fiber-intake#

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Home Care in Seminole, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.