There are so many things to enjoy about autumn – gorgeous foliage, crunchy leaves, cozy scarves, and flannel pajamas. Still, one of the most significant aspects is surely the cuisine. However, many fall dishes are heavy in sugar and fat, such as pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple cobbler, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin spice lattes. If you’re attempting to eat healthily, you may want to save certain meals for special occasions. All seniors should be focused on eating something healthy especially as it gets colder in fall.
It isn’t always easy for a senior to pay attention to their health; some people may not think there is a point in paying attention to their body. However, that is not a good outlook on life. The more a senior pays attention to what they eat, how they’re feeling, and focuses on a healthy lifestyle, the longer they will live. Diet is so crucial for anyone, no matter how old they are.
Some seniors and some of you won’t understand what makes a good diet. It may be something you never grew up with, and therefore your parents don’t know either. When you decide to start caring for your elderly loved one, you will want to start focusing on diet. If your senior cannot make food for themselves, it may also be time to look into part-time home care assistance, which can help take some of the pressure off of you. Home care assistance will ensure your elderly loved one is eating like they should and at the right times of the day.
Apples and Apple Chips
Apples are high in fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals. Apple eating has been demonstrated to lower the chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes and to aid in weight maintenance. Apples should be eaten fresh and raw to get the most nutritional value. Try adding cinnamon on top or dipping them in peanut butter for a high-protein treat. If your loved one is obsessed with chips, it can be hard to get them to stop eating them. These highly processed foods can be super addictive. Finding an alternative like apple chips or even banana chips may be the best solution during the fall!
Try Eating Nuts This Fall
Although nuts are a great snack all year, most nut kinds are harvested in the autumn. Almonds, chestnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, and hazelnuts, for example, are all harvested between August and December. Although the health benefits of nuts differ depending on the nut, all nuts include protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals such as fiber and vitamin E that are beneficial to your heart health. Nuts are also convenient to keep and transport while on the run, making them a great snack. However, since nuts contain many calories, you should restrict your serving size.
Pumpkin Seeds
No matter how old or where you live, pumpkins are a staple in the fall. Pumpkin seeds, like their nut counterparts, are high in fiber and minerals. With only six pumpkin seeds (about 28 ounces), BBC Good Food reports that they include 7 grams of protein, 1.7 grams of fiber, and minerals like magnesium and potassium. They may also help maintain healthy blood sugar and blood pressure level, as well as improve cardiovascular health. Roasting pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) after carving a pumpkin for Halloween is a fun way to eat them.