Eating a healthy and balanced diet is an important component of aging well, and there are some foods seniors and their caregivers should avoid, particularly because of their high sugar levels. Controlling sugar intake is an important part of healthy aging, but it’s not always easy to identify foods with high sugar content. Sweet-tasting things like soda and candy are obviously loaded with sugar, but you may be surprised at the hidden sources of sugar in the following everyday foods.
Breakfast Cereals
Despite efforts to promote cereal as a healthy breakfast choice, most cereals contain more sugar than you might think. Even whole grain cereals can have as much as 2 to 4 grams of sugar in a single cup. For seniors or family caregivers looking to prepare a quick meal, plain oatmeal topped with fresh fruit is a healthier alternative and is often more filling thanks to its high fiber content.
Home caregivers can help aging adults plan and prepare nutritious meals that don’t contain high levels of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Marinades & Sauces
Marinating sauces may give dishes a punch of flavor, but they can also add a lot of sugar to meals. For instance, a single tablespoon of barbeque sauce has around 6 grams of sugar, which is around one quarter of the amount of sugar the World Health Organization says healthy adults should consume each day.
Salad Dressings
When it comes to overdosing on sugar, salad dressings marked “low-fat” are often the biggest culprits because sugar is added to make up for lost flavor. Ketchup-based dressings are also often full of sugar. Look for varieties that contain no more than 2 grams of sugar per serving.
Some seniors require assistance preparing healthy meals on a regular basis. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Philadelphia, PA, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
Flavored Yogurt
On its own, yogurt contains many nutrients that are great for seniors’ wellbeing, including heart-healthy probiotics, but many brands add sugar to sweeten the yogurt’s naturally tart taste. If your loved one prefers a flavored variety, try diluting it with plain yogurt so he or she gets to enjoy both flavor and health benefits.
Dried Fruit
The sugar content in fruit increases exponentially when it’s dried. For example, there are only 4 grams of natural sugar in a cup of fresh whole cranberries, while a cup of dried cranberries can have as much as 78 grams of sugar. Treat dried fruit like candy and limit portions to a few sweet bites.
Controlling their sugar intake is just one way for seniors to boost their health. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care service Philadelphia families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (215) 645-4663 today.