One of the things that seniors should be eating more of is fiber. Seniors who are living alone and not paying close attention to their diets are probably not getting enough fiber. Fiber is important for seniors because it helps seniors do things like:
- Manage weight
- Stabilize blood sugar
- Improve digestion
- Lower the risk of colon cancer
- Improve gut health
- Improve heart health
If your senior parent is living alone and they are not eating balanced meals that include fiber, in-home care can help. An in-home care provider can help your senior parent plan fiber-rich meals, shop for healthy foods, and cook balanced meals that will help your mom or dad stay healthy. An in-home care provider can also try these easy ways to encourage your mom or dad to eat more fiber:
Start the Day with Fiber-Rich Breakfasts
Encourage your mom or dad to have whole-grain cereals like oatmeal or bran flakes for breakfast. Add fresh fruits like berries or bananas for extra fiber. If they prefer toast, choose whole-grain bread and top with fiber-rich peanut butter or avocado.
Serve Soups and Stews With Beans
When their in-home care provider is cooking meals, ask them to cook more meals with beans, lentils, or chickpeas like soups, stews, or salads. Legumes are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber and can be easily mixed into dishes.
Swap Out Refined Grains
An easy way to get your senior mom or dad to eat more fiber is to replace white rice, bread, and pasta with whole grains like brown rice, whole-grain bread, and whole-wheat pasta. They are higher in fiber and more nutritious. You can also serve other whole grains like quinoa, barley, or bulgur, which are packed with fiber and have high amounts of protein too.
Add Vegetables to Every Meal
Sneak vegetables into dishes like omelets, sandwiches, or casseroles. Carrots, spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers are great options. Prepare raw veggie sticks with hummus or guacamole as a healthy snack that’s high in fiber.
Encourage Fruit as a Snack or Dessert
Keep fruits like apples, pears, oranges, or berries readily available. These fruits are fiber-rich, easy to eat, and naturally sweet. Make fruit salads or blend fruits into smoothies for a refreshing and fiber-packed treat.
Make Fiber-Rich Snacks Accessible
Stock up on high-fiber snacks like popcorn, nuts, or whole-grain crackers. These are easy to eat between meals and will help increase fiber intake. Dried fruits like prunes, apricots, and figs are also fiber-rich, but offer them in moderation since they can be high in sugar.
Serve Fiber-Packed Soups and Stews
Soups with lots of vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are both hearty and fiber-rich. Make a big batch to freeze for future meals. Fiber-rich soups are perfect snacks for cold weather and give your mom or dad an extra serving or two of fiber.
Use Flaxseeds or Chia Seeds
Add ground flaxseeds or chia seeds to yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies. These seeds are tiny but packed with fiber, and your senior parent likely won’t even notice them in meals.
Switch to High-Fiber Snacks or Bars
Look for high-fiber snack bars or protein bars with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. These can be convenient and tasty, especially if your mom or dad likes to eat sweet snacks.
Ask The Doctor About Fiber Supplements
If it’s hard for your mom or dad to get enough fiber from food alone, ask their doctor about adding fiber supplements like psyllium husk to your mom or dad’s diet.
If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Elizabeth, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Parker. 303-953-9924
