Healthy Eating for Seniors in Southbridge, MA
Eating healthy requires an understanding of the impact of our choices and how they affect our bodies so that we can make better ones. While processed foods, such as chips, cookies, and soda, are often vilified for their nutritional shortcomings and association with health issues like weight gain and type 2 diabetes, the conversation around senior nutrition has been shifting towards a more pressing concern: the role that inflammation plays in chronic diseases among seniors.
Chronic inflammation can gradually damage the body's cells, contributing to other health complications. For seniors, the stakes are even higher, as prolonged inflammation can lead to serious health problems, including certain types of cancer (such as liver and pancreatic cancer), depression, complications from diabetes, digestive issues, heart disease, and joint pain stemming from arthritis.
In order to mitigate these risks, we need to address inflammation through our diet by making informed food swaps that emphasize anti-inflammatory foods. We also need to reduce our intake of foods that can trigger or worsen inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Food Swaps for a Healthier Senior Lifestyle
To help combat inflammation and promote healthy eating for seniors, the following dietary adjustments should be considered:
- Switch from red and processed meats to lean and plant-based proteins: Red meats and processed items like hot dogs, lunchmeat and bacon may be convenient but they're also filled with preservatives and chemicals that can incite inflammation. They are notoriously high in calories yet low on essential nutrients and they do very little when it comes to supporting a healthier lifestyle. Lean meats, such as chicken or turkey, and fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and tuna are healthier alternatives as are plant-based proteins, including beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
- Switch from packaged sweets to natural fibers and sugars: The excessive sugar content in donuts, candies, and packaged snacks fuels inflammation and contributes to insulin resistance, a condition that makes it difficult for the body to convert food into energy, which poses significant health risks. Instead, choosing fruits, which provide natural sugars along with vital fibers and antioxidants, can satisfy sweet-tooth cravings while supporting overall health.
Adding whole grains and vegetables into meals also provides the body with a steady supply of nutrients that combat inflammation.
Good Healthy Eating in Southbridge, MA
With over 500 reviews, Sturbridge Seafood is TripAdvisor's top-rated seafood restaurant in Southbridge. Serving up American Seafood, their menu consists of many vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free options using the freshest, highest quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Speaking of fresh ingredients, you can’t get much fresher than G&R Fish Market in nearby Sturbridge, MA. There is no middleman involved, they go directly to the fish pier in Boston to pick up the freshest, sushi-grade seafood to sell in their retail store. According to one Google review, they have the “freshest fish you can buy without going to the dock yourself.”
Every Saturday Memorial Day through Columbus Day, be sure to stop by the Southbridge Farmers Market at Big Bunny Market, an outdoor market featuring local produce and artisans.
Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle
Eating healthier isn’t just about avoiding certain foods; it's about embracing a lifestyle that values nutrition and well-being. We encourage seniors and their families to talk to their healthcare providers about the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet.
By prioritizing healthy eating for seniors in Southbridge MA and focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, you will not only reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases but will also foster a sense of vitality and wellness that comes with embracing a healthier lifestyle.
Visiting Angels Promotes Healthy Eating for Seniors
The caregivers at Visiting Angels Southbridge will help guide your loved one toward making better, healthier choices at home. Our professional caregivers can assist with meal planning, shopping, and meal preparation to provide healthy meals that align with your senior's nutritional needs and dietary restrictions. Give us a call at (508) 764-6700 or Contact Us online to schedule a free in-home consultation to learn more.