Healthy & Unhealthy Foods for Older Adults with Diabetes

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Best & Worst Foods for Elderly Diabetics in Victoria, BC

A well-balanced diet is essential if your aging loved one has diabetes. Paying mind to the following list of best and worst foods for elderly diabetics can help you plan a low-sugar menu that is flavorful and nutritious.

Unhealthy: White Bread, Pastries, and Pasta

Processed, refined wheat products such as pasta and white bread are instantly transformed into sugar once eaten. These foods cause blood sugar spikes that can lead to health concerns like organ damage in seniors with diabetes. Ingredients to watch for include bleached wheat and enriched white flour. Pastries also contain added sugar, which can dramatically affect blood sugar levels and cause serious symptoms for some seniors with diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious health issue that can impact overall quality of life. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Victoria in-home care. Services our caregivers provide include transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.

Healthy: Whole-Grain Pasta and Bread

Look for ingredients like whole rolled oats, cracked wheat, and wheat flour when choosing pasta and bread products for your loved one. While wheat is a carb, whole grains are complex carbohydrates that digest slowly and provide long-lasting energy without causing blood sugar spikes. Although whole grains are an excellent food for seniors with diabetes, make sure to measure the portion sizes to help your loved one eat the right amount of carbs.

Healthy: Beans, Legumes, and Lean Proteins

Lean proteins are essential for boosting energy levels and maintaining muscle tone. Legumes such as beans are protein-rich staples that stabilize blood sugar levels while providing lasting energy. Try lentil tacos and meatless chili to add legumes to your loved one’s meals without compromising on taste. Other lean proteins to consider include fish, chicken breast, and tofu. Seniors with diabetes have an increased risk of heart attack, so make sure to steam or bake proteins to avoid adding extra calories and cholesterol.

Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help preparing healthy meals. Although it may be challenging to find a reliable, highly rated caregiver agency, Victoria, British Columbia, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

Unhealthy: Prepared Cereal

A bowl of cereal and milk may not seem like a sugary treat, but most cereals have about 20 grams of sugar per serving. Typically, your loved one should eat foods that contain less than five grams of sugar per serving. Most brands of cereal are also low in vitamin C and contain only small amounts of protein, even after adding milk. For a low-sugar alternative to cereal, switch to overnight oats made with low-fat milk and sugar-free flavorings like cinnamon, or add walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a heart-healthy boost of omega-3 fatty acids.

Healthy: Fresh Vegetables

Nothing beats a plateful of fresh vegetables when you want to serve a nutritious, healthy meal. Vegetables are low in calories, sugar, and fat, but are high in fiber and rich in a variety of vitamins. For the most nutritious menu, serve a selection of colorful vegetables, and steam the veggies to retain the nutrients. For a starchy side with added nutrients, use sweet potatoes.

Hiring a dedicated in-home caregiver from a reputable home care agency is one of the best ways to help your loved one manage the symptoms of diabetes. Though you may be researching multiple home care agencies, Victoria, BC, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust in Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years. To learn about our revolutionary in-home care plans, give us a call at (250) 592-4881 today.

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