June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Month. So, it is a great time to start thinking about the way that your elderly loved one is eating. Unfortunately, many elderly people are picky eaters. They have personal preferences and sometimes, dietary restrictions. It can be tough to get them on a proper diet. However, there are some tips that can help you and home care providers to get your elderly loved one to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Put Healthier Foods into Meals
Vegetables and fruits can be used in many different meals. When you sneak them into meals, your elderly loved one may be more likely to eat them. For example, you can stuff chicken breasts with kale and peppers. You can add fruits to a fruit pasta dish. You can put vegetables in lasagna. These are just some ideas of how you can put healthier foods into your elderly loved one’s meals. If you can’t be around enough to make sure your elderly loved one is eating these meals or to make them, you can hire elder care providers to do so.
Go on a Picnic
Another great way you can get your elderly loved one to eat more fruits and vegetables is to have picnics with them often. Not only are they going outside for the picnic, so they will be getting calcium and vitamin D through the sun, but they can eat fruits and vegetables on the picnic. Many times, senior citizens are more likely to eat healthy when they are at a restaurant or with other people, so a picnic is a perfect time to bring along some bananas or sliced peppers with dip.
Take Some Vitamins (with a recommendation from a doctor)
Senior citizens should never take over-the-counter or online purchased vitamins without the all-okay from their doctor. Sometimes, vitamins can interfere with the medications they are taking and that can lead to serious health concerns. However, if your elderly loved one eats some fruits and vegetables, but they still aren’t fulfilling their nutritional needs, vitamins may be the route to go. If their doctor gives the approval, you or an elder care provider may need to remind your elderly loved one to take them.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Today
It is vital to ensure that senior citizens are getting their share of fruits and vegetables. These foods are packed full of nutrients and vitamins that are essential for aging health. If your elderly loved one does eat some fruits and vegetables, but not enough, it would be okay to talk to their doctor about having them take vitamins. If their doctor gives the all-okay, then you and home care providers can give reminders for them to take the vitamins. However, that doesn’t mean they should stop eating fruits and vegetables. You should still try to add these healthier foods into their meals and snacks. That way, they can get nutritional foods and supplements every day.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Redding, CT, please contact the caring staff at Elderly Caregivers, LLC today. (203) 628-7438
Sources
www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-d/art-20363792
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