Tips for Getting More Fiber in Your Parent’s Regular Diet

whole wheat bread on kitchen table

Fiber is something that everyone needs. This nutrient can offer a wide variety of health benefits including helping to reduce blood cholesterol by reducing the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream, providing a sense of fullness and satisfaction that reduces craving and controls appetite, and aiding in healthy digestion. Doctors and nutrition experts often recommend that men get between 35 and 38 grams of soluble fiber each day and that women get between 21 and 25 depending on their age. Others recommend that people eat 14 grams of soluble fiber for every 1,000 calories that they eat each day. The vast majority of people, however, do not get anywhere near this amount. Fortunately just a few simple changes in your parents diet can make it easier for them to get the fiber that they need on a regular basis.

Try these simple ways to get more fiber into your parents regular diet:

• Start the day with a smoothie that includes a handful of spinach with fruits
• Chop up raw vegetables and keep them easily accessible in the refrigerator for a quick snack
• Add flaxseed to meals by sprinkling the ground version into soups or sauces, or using the seeds to top salads or stir fry
• Choose whole grain breads rather than refined versions
• Choose brown rice over white
• Opt for a whole grain such as quinoa or farro rather than white rice
• Start the day with oatmeal topped with fruit

If you have been looking for a way to enhance your aging parent’s quality of life as they age in place, starting elder care for them might be the ideal solution. An elderly home care services provider can be with your parent on a fully customized schedule to ensure that your parent has continued access to the care, services, support, and assistance that they need to manage their needs, challenges, and limitations in the ways that are right for them. This can help them to stay healthy, happy, safe, and comfortable, while also pursuing a lifestyle that is as active, engaged, fulfilling, and as independent as possible throughout their later years. This highly personalized approach can include a wide range of services including transportation so that your parent can go where they need and want to go when they need and want to go there rather than always having to rely on you, assistance in fulfilling personal care tasks such as bathing, toileting, dressing, and grooming, mobility assistance to help them navigate their home safely, and companionship to boost their mental and emotional health and well-being.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering elder care in Glenwood, MN, please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today. Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us Today (320) 352-3350.