5 Foods Seniors With Diabetes Should Be Eating More Of
In-home care can offer meal prep and nutritional support to seniors with diabetes with better food choices.
If your senior mom or dad has diabetes, they are probably very aware of the foods that they shouldn’t eat or should be limiting. But are they eating enough of the foods that can help them stabilize their blood sugar and manage their diabetes? A great way to help your mom or dad as they learn how to manage their diabetes is to make sure they have in-home care.
In-home care is personalized care at home for seniors. Caregivers provide support with household chores, shopping, transportation, and cooking meals. An in-home care provider can help your mom or dad manage their diet and eat better meals.
With the support of an in-home care provider, your mom or dad can add foods to their diet that are recommended for seniors with diabetes, like:
1. Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are great for seniors with diabetes. They are low in calories and carbohydrates, which helps control blood sugar levels. Plus, they are packed with vitamins and minerals.
To get your mom or dad to eat more leafy green vegetables, you or an in-home care provider can:
- Add greens to meals they already enjoy, like soups or casseroles.
- Make smoothies with a handful of spinach. It blends in easily and is barely noticeable in flavor.
- Try preparing them in different ways—like sautéing in olive oil or adding them to scrambled eggs.
2. Whole Grains
Whole grains, like brown rice, oats, and quinoa, are full of fiber. Fiber helps manage blood sugar by slowing down digestion and keeping blood sugar levels steady. Fiber can also make your mom or dad feel full longer, which can help the cutout snacks.
If you want your mom or dad to eat more whole grains, ask their in-home care provider to:
- Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa in dishes they already like.
- Offer oatmeal for breakfast, but make it more exciting with cinnamon, nuts, or berries.
- Use whole-grain bread for sandwiches instead of white bread.
3. Berries
Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants and have less sugar than most fruits. Their fiber content helps keep blood sugar under control, while the natural sweetness of the berries keeps your mom or dad’s sweet tooth under control.
If you want your senior parent to eat more berries, you can
- Serve them as a snack or a dessert alternative.
- Mix berries into yogurt or add them to a bowl of cereal.
- Freeze berries and offer them as a refreshing snack on hot days.
- Mix fresh berries with high-protein cottage cheese and whipped cream for a delicious but healthy sweet snack or dessert.
4. Fatty Fish
Fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health. This is important for people with diabetes. Unmanaged diabetes can increase your mom or dad’s risk of developing heart problems. Omega-3s also help reduce inflammation, which can affect blood sugar control.
Easy ways to get your mom or dad to eat more fish are:
- Try baking or grilling fish with spices or lemon for added flavor.
- Offer fish dishes they may have liked in the past, like salmon patties or tuna sandwiches.
- If your parent is not a big fish fan, start with milder options like tilapia.
5. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds provide healthy fats and protein, which can help manage blood sugar levels. These are great snacks because they don’t cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. Nuts are also a good source of healthy fats, which can help your mom or dad’s cholesterol.
To get your mom or dad to eat more nuts, you can:
- Serve nuts as a snack, either alone or mixed with dried fruit.
- Add chia seeds or ground flaxseeds to their morning oatmeal or yogurt.
- Use nut butters like almond or peanut butter on whole-grain toast or apple slices.
An in-home care provider can be a great resource for making sure that your senior mom or dad is consistently eating healthy meals that will help bring their diabetes under control.
If you or someone you know needs help with In-Home Care in East Grand Rapids, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 560-4057 for more information.
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