Sugar is an important part of a healthy diet, as it provides your body with the fuel it needs to function. But when you have diabetes, it’s important to watch how much sugar you eat and drink. That’s why senior living communities in Ocean Springs, MS are embracing the need for residents to make healthier choices regarding sugar intake. Here are some ways that assisted living can manage sugar intake:
Avoid Sugar-Laden Drinks
Sugar-laden drinks are a major source of sugar in the American diet. Sugary drinks, such as sodas and juices, are linked to obesity and diabetes. This can lead to other health problems like heart disease, kidney stones, and gout.
By avoiding sugar-laden drinks, residents will not only be more likely to meet their dietary goals but also avoid some of the negative consequences of consuming too much sugar.
Instead of sugary drinks (soda or juice), you can encourage your loved one to drink water or herbal tea instead of coffee because coffee contains caffeine which has been linked with numerous health problems, including increased risk for cancer, among other things.
Make Fruits And Vegetables A Big Part Of Every Meal
Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, a good source of fiber, help manage blood sugar levels, and can be added to any meal. Residents should be encouraged to eat at least five servings of fruits or vegetables daily. They should add these items to every meal—even breakfast! A bowl of oatmeal with berries on top is an excellent way for residents to start the day off right; it also helps prevent sugar spikes as the morning progresses.
Allow For Healthy Snacks
For example, if your loved one is a fan of nuts, they can enjoy a small handful as a healthy snack. If they are craving something sweet, try serving fruit with low-fat yogurt.
These types of healthy snacks are also portable and easy to take with residents on outings or trips out into the community. By allowing residents to eat nutritious food in these safe environments, your loved ones have more control over their diets and can avoid high-sugar foods that may cause them harm or make them feel ill.
Hire An In-House Nutritionist
Hiring an in-house nutritionist can be a huge help, especially if they are available 24/7. The need for this is even greater when the residents have diabetes or other conditions that require special diets. Having an on-site nutritionist means that the staff will have access to expert advice and guidance at all times. As people age, their nutritional needs change as well, and so does their physical state of health. A professional consultant like a registered dietitian (RD) will be able to recommend specific foods based on individual needs such as weight maintenance or weight loss programs for residents who may be struggling with obesity issues due to lack of exercise, among other things such as lack of mobility because of arthritis pain from being overweight.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways that senior living communities in Ocean Springs, MS, can help residents maintain a healthy sugar intake. Whether it’s by providing an adequate number of fiber-rich foods or by encouraging them to eat more fruits and vegetables on a regular basis, these communities are doing their part in helping people stay away from too much sugar.
