Shopping for your aging parent can seem like a minefield of awkward questions, snide remarks, and double-takes. Suddenly their youth, energy, and optimism fade into a world of decline, illness, and forgetfulness. As they age, their tastes change, and what initially seemed like a healthy choice for them on their daily grocery list may now be something they’re no longer comfortable eating.
To make matters worse, older people are often under pressure to keep their weight down or suffer social stigma from extended family members who may feel that an unhealthy diet is to blame for the aging process itself. These circumstances can lead to an older person feeling isolated from others and having an uncoordinated daily grocery list. With everything that crosses your mind when it comes to your parent’s health and well-being you need the right answers. Fortunately, there are some simple strategies you can implement today that will have lasting benefits on the overall quality of your parent’s life.
Vegetables And Fruits
Vegetables and fruits are essential to a healthy diet. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants that help protect your body from harmful free radicals. If you have a vegetarian parent, you have already taken the first step to improving their diet. Your parent will also enjoy the taste of vegetables and fruits more if they are made into a tasty dish with spices and herbs. Think of ginger, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, parsley, and other herbs as condiments that go great with vegetables and fruits.
Foods With Healthy Fats
Dietary fats are an important part of a healthy, balanced diet and are essential for good health. Healthy fats are found in oils, nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. Providing your parent with healthy fats will help improve their health and help maintain their cognition. It may also be beneficial for their mood and behavior. Fatty fish and oils are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients that help reduce inflammation and improve brain function.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, are the best type of carbohydrate to consume. They are not only rich in fiber but also contain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are essential for good health. A diet rich in complex carbohydrates helps reduce body fat and improves metabolism, which can help prevent obesity and increase energy levels and physical activity. Whole grains are an excellent source of dietary fiber that helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and prevents constipation.
Don’t Forget About Protein
Protein is an important part of a healthy diet. It helps build and repair tissues in the body and is essential to maintaining a healthy weight. Protein is also important for your parent’s brain health. It can help prevent cognitive decline and may even help improve their mood and behavior. There are many healthy proteins to choose from. The Minimum recommended protein intake varies depending on your parent’s age and health condition. However, a good rule of thumb is to choose foods high in protein.
