While it is easy to associate weight gain with being a negative thing, it is also common to find underweight people who struggle to enjoy their golden years fully. There can be many reasons why people are underweight, such as not having money to buy food and so on. However, your loved ones must gain weight safely to ensure a good quality of life. In this article, we provide some tips for your loved ones to gain weight safely.
Eat Small Meals Frequently
Weight gain for your loved ones can be managed properly and safely with frequent small meals. One way would be to choose high-protein and high-calorie food for every meal and snack. Some of these foods include cheese or yogurt. In contrast to a few big meals, it is easier for older adults to consume and digest meals in smaller portions. Some of the foods that your loved ones can choose to include in their meals are nut butter, fish, eggs, and poultry. They can also add healthy oils or fats such as olive oil to their usual food or add non-hydrogenated margarine to their foods. Another option to weight gain for your loved ones is to drink high-protein or high-calorie fluids after a snack or meal. They can try a milkshake with added milk powder for a higher calorie intake.
Eat Foods with Right Texture
One of the reasons your loved ones may be struggling with weight gain is because their chewing or swallowing capabilities are diminished due to age. Hence, some of the older adults may find it difficult to ingest their food, in turn hindering their ability to gain weight properly. One option for weight gain for your loved ones would be to grind their food using food processors. After food is ground to a smooth texture, it will be easier for your loved ones to ingest, with or without their dentures. Another way is to eat soft foods, such as yogurts, avocadoes, and so on. Weight gain for your loved ones is possible with the right kinds of food textures.
Increasing their Appetite
Sometimes, weight gain for your loved ones is challenging due to low appetite. There can be various reasons for this, such as isolation. With isolation affecting their mental health, it’s easy for your loved ones to lose their appetite. One way to increase their appetite would be to invite friends over to dine with them. With companions around during mealtime, it can be easier for your loved ones to grow their appetites as their mood is lifted by the presence of friends. Another way to increase appetite is to get your loved ones to try out physical activities. When older adults engage even in just gentle, undemanding physical activities, they can build up their lean muscle mass and stimulate their appetite. They can then eat better and thus weight gain is possible.
Why Choose Discovery Village At Deerwood?
At Discovery Village At Deerwood, we provide a wide variety of nutritious meals to ensure safe weight gain for your loved ones. With exquisite meals prepared by our professional chefs, you can be assured that your loved ones can have a healthy diet and enjoy their golden years to the fullest. Contact us to find out more!
