Diabetes is a growing concern among the senior population, and around 25 percent of Americans over the age of 65 currently have this condition. Even though the symptoms can be overwhelming, many seniors are able to stop the progression of diabetes or reverse it entirely with their dietary habits. Here are a few delicious and healthy recipes for seniors who are ready to take control of their health.
Orzotto
This Italian dish is similar to risotto, but it’s made with pearl barley instead of white rice. Barley is low on the glycemic index, which means it won’t cause blood sugar spikes. It also aids in digestion because it’s high in fiber. Orzotto can be flavored with herbs or produce, including dried mushrooms, onions, cumin, peppers, tomatoes, thyme, basil, and cardamom.
If your aging loved one needs help with meal planning, grocery shopping, or cooking, consider hiring a home caregiver. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior home care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Baked Chicken & Chutney
Seniors who have been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes should avoid fried meats. Whenever meat is cooked in oil, it increases the amount of sodium, fat, and carbohydrates in the dish. Baked chicken is a great source of protein, and it tastes almost identical to fried chicken when cooked correctly. Chutney is a spicy and healthy condiment that adds deep flavor to almost all meat dishes.
Red Beans & Quinoa
Quinoa is another great substitute for white rice, and it turns this popular dish into a complete source of protein without the extra carbohydrates. Red beans and quinoa can be cooked all day in a slow cooker with a few basic ingredients, including garlic, thyme, bell peppers, celery, and onions. The red beans are an excellent source of protein, calcium, fiber, iron, and folate.
Families who are unable to assist their loved ones with meal preparation on a regular basis should consider hiring a professional caregiver. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of in-home care. Lakewood Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Overnight Oats
One of the best ways to keep insulin levels steady throughout the day is to start with a healthy breakfast. Overnight oats are prepared the evening before they’re eaten. They can be made by combining low-fat yogurt, rolled oats, frozen berries, and cinnamon in a glass dish. Many diabetes specialists consider oats to be a superfood because they’re filled with nutrients that reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Banana Cream Pie Smoothie
Diabetic seniors might have a difficult time satisfying their sweet tooth. Most processed treats are packed with ingredients that could cause severe blood sugar fluctuations. This banana cream pie smoothie gets its flavor and texture from healthier ingredients, such as nonfat milk, fresh bananas, low-fat yogurt, graham cracker crumbs, and a few dashes of vanilla extract. When all the ingredients are blended together, this dessert tastes almost identical to a traditional ice cream smoothie.
Gazpacho
Very few dishes are as nutrient-dense as gazpacho, and the journal Nutrition, Metabolism, & Cardiovascular Diseases claims it’s one of the healthiest meals for diabetics and those who have high blood pressure. Gazpacho is made from just five or six ingredients, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This dish also contains carotenoids that reduce inflammation and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Consider hiring a caregiver if your loved one requires assistance preparing nutritious meals or managing other everyday tasks. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Lakewood, Colorado, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. For reliable in-home care services, contact Home Care Assistance at (303) 987-5992.