Healthy Eating during the Holidays

Every diet program, gym and personal trainer gears up for the holiday aftermath because they know that healthy eating stops being a priority during those festive winter months. But healthy eating is important year round, especially for your aging loved ones. Their metabolisms can go askew when their diet is unbalanced, and the influx of sugary foods during the holidays doesn’t help the issue! Getting a proper mix of healthy foods with the right vitamins, calories and nutrients is important throughout life, but especially as you age. Here are a few tips for keeping healthy eating a part of your life during the holiday months.

Substitute your cooking styles and ingredients. Instead of frying, grill your food. If you’re roasting, use one of the many available low-calorie spray oils. Try steaming vegetables to retain nutrients and flavor. Use low fat ingredients like egg substitute, applesauce for oil, reduced-fat cheeses and fat-free sour cream. These changes will go virtually unnoticed by your taste buds but you can make a big cut-back on fat and calorie consumption!

Make sure fruits and vegetables are a standard part of each meal. The more colorful you can make your plate with fruits and veggies, the healthier you will eat. Try foods like blackberries, melons, yams, spinach, tomatoes, and zucchini.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Just because it’s not summer anymore doesn’t mean hydration can fall by the wayside! One strategy is to take a sip of water with each bite during mealtimes, which will help keep water levels up. Dehydration can lead to urinary tract infections, constipation, and even confusion.

Don’t forget to exercise! It keeps joints mobile and muscles strong. Staying active can also counterbalance overindulgence and help keep off extra pounds.

Check out the delicious sounding recipes at this link including chocolate-dipped oranges and healthy version of eggnog! Yummy!

For older adults, the benefits of healthy eating include increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems. As we age, eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be about dieting and sacrifice. Eating well as an older adult is all about fresh, colorful food, creativity in the kitchen, and eating with friends. ¹

Did you know that a Senior Helpers caregiver can assist with preparing and cooking healthful meals? From start to finish– by planning meals, shopping for ingredients, cooking the food itself and serving it– our caregivers can help ensure that your loved one is getting all the nutrients they require. Call us if this is something you would like for your loved one 973-362-0130.