If your senior parent has diabetes, they need to be very careful with their diet, which can be difficult for seniors that are living alone. Often when seniors are aging in place they rely on microwave meals or easy-to-cook prepared meals, but those meals are full of sodium, carbs, and other ingredients that can be very bad for diabetics.
Home care assistance can help seniors who are learning to manage their diabetes eat better and learn to make better dietary choices. With help from home care assistance your senior mom or dad can learn more about how what they eat affects their blood sugar. And they can try new foods that are safe for diabetics to eat.
With home care assistance your mom or dad may even try new types of cuisine that they’ve never had before. A care provider can help your senior parent cook meals and shop for the best foods for diabetic seniors to eat like:
Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard)
Leafy greens are low in calories and carbohydrates, high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They help in controlling blood sugar levels and provide essential nutrients. A salad made with leafy greens, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, and some lean protein like sliced chicken is a wonderful meal for seniors.
Berries
Even though berries do have sugar, the sugar in berries is natural sugar that is easily processed by the body. They have a low glycemic index, and they are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Berries can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. In the spring and summer fresh berries are easy to find and not expensive. Frozen berries can also be used to make snacks and desserts.
Whole Grains (Oats, Quinoa, Brown Rice)
Low-carb diets are often recommended for seniors with diabetes. But, whole grains are usually ok for seniors with diabetes. Your mom or dad should ask their doctor if they aren’t sure if they can have whole grains. Whole grain foods are rich in fiber and have a low glycemic index, which helps in maintaining steady blood sugar levels. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is a better protein for seniors than high calorie and high fat proteins like beef. Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and the risk of heart disease. They are also a good source of protein, which can help with blood sugar management.
Nuts And Nut Butter
Nuts are good for seniors in moderation. Most nuts have healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Nuts can help in controlling blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Seniors who can’t eat nuts because they are hard to chew can eat nut butters like peanut, almond, or sunflower butter.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a versatile food that is great for seniors with diabetes. It’s high in protein and probiotics, which can improve gut health and help in maintaining steady blood sugar levels. It is also lower in carbohydrates compared to regular yogurt.
Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes are very starchy, so most diabetics are told to avoid them. But sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index compared to regular potatoes and are high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They help in stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Avocados
Avocados are a fantastic source of healthy fat and minerals. Avocados can help improve insulin sensitivity and provide sustained energy without spiking blood sugar.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Brentwood, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.
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