Tips for Reducing Sugar in Your Senior's Diet

Senior Care Lake Forest IL - Tips for Reducing Sugar in Your Senior's Diet

Americans, on average, eat more sugar than people in any other nation. The amount of sugar consumed on a daily basis has steadily increased over the years, even as people have received warnings about consuming excess sugar. Reducing the amount of sugar in the diet can be a valuable step toward health for anyone, but as a family caregiver, you should know this can be even more important for your elderly parent.

​Many seniors struggle with health problems that are worsened by sugar, making reducing this sugar an invaluable part of preserving their health as they age in place. Fortunately, there are many simple ways you can cut down on the amount of sugar in your senior's diet on a daily basis.  

Use these tips to reduce sugar in your senior's diet: 

* Cut out sodas. This is the leading source of sugar in the average American's diet and accounts for a huge number of calories on a regular basis. 

* Learn to read nutritional labels and make sure you and your senior read the labels on all foods and beverages they consume. 

* Avoid having sugar out on the table. Your senior is much less likely to add sugar to their food and beverages if they do not have it out in front of them. 

* When choosing packaged fruits, look for those packaged in natural juice without added sugar. Avoid anything that says "syrup". 

* Sweeten foods such as oatmeal or pancakes with fruit rather than sugar. 

* When baking, replace sugar with unsweetened applesauce. 

* Look for natural sweetener alternatives such as monk fruit.  

* Add more flavor to recipes using spices such as cinnamon and ginger rather than sugar. 

An senior home care services provider can make eating healthier easier and more accessible for your senior. As their family caregiver, you want your parent to be able to live their best life, and eating a well-balanced diet is an important part of that. Senior care can make it less daunting for your parent to eat well when they are dealing with challenges and limitations.

​Personalized services can include reliable transportation to the grocery store, assistance with shopping, help reading and understanding labels, meal and snack preparation, and encouragement to maintain good nutrition and hydration. This enables your parent to enjoy many of their favorite foods in healthier ways by reminding them of their dietary guidelines, researching recipes with them, assisting with preparation, and more.  

Sources: https://www.thediabetescouncil.com/45-alarming-statistics-on-americans-sugar-consumption-and-the-effects-of-sugar-on-americans-health/ 

http://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/tips-for-cutting-down-on-sugar  

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Lake Forest IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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