Maintaining a healthy nutritional balance when someone is ill becomes a challenge for most people. We know there are certain foods we should eat but loss of appetite when ill causes stress and then we can't be bothered to cook. Being ill is challenge enough but the sudden loss of a partner can be even worse when trying to find the energy to eat healthy, especially if the person who is left has never done much cooking. As we age our appetite decreases and this affects how many nutrients we get in a day. Although seniors are not as active as when they were working many still are active physically and their bodies need healthy nutrition. This article will try to assist with some simple tips in eating some old favourites that are healthier than we think.
It is always best to try to eat three balanced meals a day. These do not have to be large meals but should contain some of the basic nutrients we need. Following Canada's Food Guide is still an excellent way to determine what those nutrients are.
When dealing with special diets it is important to remember less salt and sugar will help to make you feel better and maintain a healthy blood sugar and blood pressure. There has been so much hype in the media these last few years that is difficult to know what to believe. Fat is important in our diet but it should be the right fats such as nuts, seeds, avocado, salmon, tuna and low-fat cheese. These are extremely nutritious foods that can be relatively inexpensive to eat. A lot of seniors have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and even some cancers. Eating healthy foods can help you to decrease the severity of these diseases and in some cases prevent them.
What about vitamins and minerals? Do we still need them? The answer to this is yes, even more so as we age. Our bodies do not store these things so it is important to eat the right foods every day or take supplements if the doctor prescribes them. Getting enough vitamins and minerals can help prevent anemia, depression and memory loss. They also help you heal better following an injury or surgery. Older bones are prone to breaking so vitamins and minerals are important here as well. Many older people feel they are not thirsty so they are getting enough fluids through the many cups of tea but it isn't the same so keep drinking and stay healthy - up to 6-8 glasses per day! Stay tuned next time for some inexpensive foods and recipes you can eat and stay healthy.
About We Care
We Care Home Health Services, a leading national provider of in-home care and support services with over 50 locations across Canada, provides professional and compassionate care that allows seniors and others to live independently in the comfort of their own homes. We Care employs over 3,000 home care staff and provides care in over 800 communities across Canada. For more information, visit http://wecare.ca/ or call 519-719-2493.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ali_Jaber
This article has been viewed 12 time(s).Article Submitted On: April 26, 2011
No comments:
Post a Comment