Consuming high amounts of sugar can raise blood pressure and cholesterol and increase the odds of issues like obesity, diabetes, some cancers, and heart disease. To reduce sugar intake, seniors should avoid sugary foods and beverages. Below are some healthy ways to satisfy your elderly parent’s sweet tooth.
1. Frozen Fruit
Since fruit is naturally sweet, it could satisfy your loved one’s craving while providing a variety of healthy elements, including fiber and antioxidants. Most fruits contain essential nutrients and are low in fat, sodium, and calories. Consuming more of these foods could lower your loved one’s blood pressure and prevent excessive weight gain. If apples and bananas don’t leave your loved one feeling satisfied, he or she should eat fruits with a little more natural sugar, such as mangoes and grapes. For more flavor, you can add plain Greek yogurt as a topping for the frozen fruits.
Some seniors find it difficult to prepare nutritious meals and snacks because of health issues or mobility limitations. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Rocklin seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
2. Dark Chocolate
Giving up sweets altogether isn’t an option for most seniors, so they turn to healthier choices like dark chocolate. Dark chocolate and cocoa contain nutritious polyphenols, which are plant compounds packed with antioxidants that can preserve the mind and enhance memory and cognitive skills. The compounds in dark chocolate can also lower the risk of digestive problems, making it easier to satisfy your loved one’s sweet tooth without increasing the likelihood of issues like gas, heartburn, and constipation. Keep in mind that dark chocolate does contain sugar, so your loved one should limit his or her intake of this food.
A professional caregiver can be a terrific source of support for a senior who needs a hand with preparing sugar-free dishes and nutritious meals. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare services. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
3. Chia Seeds
The omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber found in these seeds give them nutritional value. Another advantage is the versatility of chia seeds. Instead of eating only the seeds, your loved one can add them to sugar-free pudding or yogurt for a more appealing snack. Due to the high amounts of fiber in chia seeds, your parent can feel fuller for longer, reducing the risk of overeating. Seniors often eat sweets as a way to manage anxiety and stress, but chia seeds are a healthier alternative and can ease anxiety and promote good sleeping habits.
4. Sweet Potatoes
When your loved one wants a filling and nutritious alternative to sweets, sweet potatoes should be at the top of the list. Sweet potatoes satisfy sweet cravings and leave seniors feeling full. Serving sweet potatoes as a snack or with entrées could provide balance in your loved one’s meals and reduce his or her calorie consumption. Sweet potatoes contain cancer-fighting properties, and they can enhance both vision and brain functioning. For added flavor and more health benefits, sprinkle a little cinnamon over the sweet potatoes.
Limiting the consumption of sweets is part of an overall healthy lifestyle, and some seniors need help when it comes to managing nutrition. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elder care. Rocklin families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 226-3737 today.