Is Mom Eating Right?

By CarePatrol of Baltimore

Mother’s Day is this weekend, and it’s time to ask a very important question. Is your mom (or dad for that matter) eating right? Are they getting the nutrition their bodies need? Just like you, older adults need essential nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and, of course, a lot of water. Many studies show that a healthy diet reduces your risk of developing certain kinds of cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease.

Even if you or your aging loved one is slowing down, you still need nutritious food to keep your body balanced and healthy. And it’s more important than ever to retain energy levels to stay active and involved. In fact, low energy levels can lead to decreased activity, isolation, and even depression — which can lead to a host of other issues.

Healthy eating isn’t a quick fix, unfortunately. It’s truly a lifestyle that requires permanent and consistent effort to gain results. But it’s easy to begin with small steps, like drinking more water, using less salt, using whole-grain (not multi-grain) breads and pastas, and incorporating more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Using a combination of salt-free seasonings can help keep your food interesting and delicious.

It’s also important to cut out obvious unhealthy items like soda, fast-food, junk food, and as much processed food as you can. Processed and refined items, such as bleached enriched flour and packaged snacks foods can go a long way toward becoming healthier.

If it’s becoming difficult to eat right, or you find it’s challenging to ensure your parents are doing so, it may be time to consider a meal plan service. The senior housing referral organization CarePatrol offers an option that may appeal to you. Welcome Home Meals is a program that prepares a wide variety of nutritious meals, at an affordable price point. Each meal costs about $6.99.