Protein is an important part of everyone’s diet. It supplies the muscles and helps them stay strong. It also plays an important role in hormone and enzyme production and helps the body feel full longer, thus protecting against overeating. Home care assistance provides nutrition support and meal preparation to ensure their clients get enough protein.
Why Your Elderly Loved One May Need Extra Protein in Her Diet
While some may believe protein is not as important as you age, it’s more important than ever for your loved one to have plenty of protein in her diet. And while she may not be trying to actively build up muscle mass, she may need more than she did when she was younger because the body doesn’t use it as well.
Many seniors do not meet the daily recommended amount of protein in their diet, but with some smart food choices, your home care assistance provider can help your loved one find the best protein options for her health and budget.
Great Protein Choices Your Home Care Assistance Can Prepare for Your Elderly Loved One
There are two key things to remember as your home care assistance provider helps your loved one find great proteins to add to or increase in her diet. The first is that protein doesn’t necessarily mean meat. Protein can be found in many other products other than just meat, so if your loved one has dietary restrictions regarding meat, she can still get the protein she needs to fuel her body.
The second thing to remember is that because some meat proteins are high in fat, they should be added to the diet sparingly. For example, bacon may have a lot of protein, but its fat and salt content may cause more harm than good.
Considering those two key components, here are some great ways home care assistance can add protein to your loved one’s diet.
Lean Meats
At least one meal a day should have some meat included, but make sure it’s healthy meat, not processed meat like lunch meat or overly fatty meat. Some great options for your elderly loved one include chicken breast and grilled lean cuts of beef. Consider adding a grilled chicken breast to a salad or serving up 4 oz of grilled steak with asparagus and a baked potato.
Fish
Most fish are great for adding protein to your loved one’s diet. Salmon and tuna are two great options that can fill out either a lunch or dinner. Just stay away from any deep-fried fish to maximize health benefits.
Greek Yogurt
While most dairy products contain protein, Greek yogurt is packed with protein, providing 16 grams per 5.5 oz serving. It can be a great way to add protein to a breakfast or even have it as a midday snack. Adding some fresh fruit and baked granola can add flavor, texture, and more nutrition to the dish.
Bean and Nuts
If your loved one doesn’t eat meat, you’ll need to go to other sources to make sure she’s getting enough protein. A home care assistance provider team can help your loved one develop a meal plan that makes sure she has plenty of proteins from plant resources such as lentils, seeds, and nuts.
Protein Supplements
If getting enough protein is still an issue, consider adding protein powder to a smoothie or purchasing cereals and other foods that contain protein.
With some creativity, making sure your loved one gets enough protein will be easily attainable with the help of home care assistance services.
Amelia Home Care provides traditional Home Care Assistance in Westchester, NY, along with virtual caregiving and remote patient monitoring. Our service area includes Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and Westchester County. Call today at (929) 333-3955
We proudly provide non-medical home care services to individuals with disabilities, injuries, difficulties with mobility, or illnesses. Our team is composed of highly trained and competent staff members who are dedicated and experts in delivering home care services in the comfort of our client’s home.
Through our personalized care plan, we can give you the needed care services that are all intended to cater to your unique personal and health needs. With us, we ensure around-the-clock services and supervision to help you achieve optimum health and wellness.
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