Love Yourself: Nourishing Your Body for Year-Round Health

Discover simple and practical nutrition tips for maintaining health all year with Home Instead Epping Forest. Learn how to nourish your body, stay active, no matter the season

Eating well is essential for maintaining your health throughout the year. Afterall, they say ‘you are what you eat’ and what you put in can make a huge difference to how you feel. 

At Home Instead Epping Forest, we believe that we can all benefit from simple, actionable nutrition advice. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself once or twice a week to a piece of cake or a glass of wine – but get the basics right and you’ll feel good. 

Here are some simple tips for our clients and their families to keep everyone nourished and healthy.

Younger female carer cutting vegetables while chatting with a female older adult with grey hair inside the kitchen

Hydration Is Key

Health starts with hydration, so start your day right!

– Start your day with a warm glass of water with lemon to kickstart your digestion.

– Keep a bottle or thermal flask filled with herbal tea or plain water close at hand.

– Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily. 

– Set reminders or times of the day to have a drink. 

Perfect Your Portions

Maintaining balanced meal portions is crucial for good health:

– Opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to manage energy levels and digestion.

– Use a smaller plate to help control portion sizes naturally.

– Ensure each meal includes a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables to cover all nutritional bases. For example, meat or fish, potatoes and some green vegetables would cover all bases.

Keep It Simple

Meal planning can be straightforward and significantly beneficial, especially for those who find cooking challenging:

– Prep ingredients ahead of time to save cooking time.

– Keep healthy snacks like fruits and nuts readily available to avoid unhealthy choices.

– Plan your meals weekly to ensure variety and nutritional balance. Consider using pre-cut frozen vegetables, which are nutritious and convenient.

– Sign up for a meal delivery service if you want nutritious, varied meals to your door.

Eat out! Arrange a lunch in the local area.

Female carer with short hair chopping foods in the kitchen while chatting with a female older adult who is drinking coffee

Variety Is the Spice of Life

A colourful plate is not only appealing but also packed with nutrients:

– Include different coloured vegetables or fruits in your main meals to maximise nutrient intake.

– Incorporate a variety of colours through natural sources like vegetables, fruits, and spices.

Focus on Lean Proteins

Protein is essential for muscle health and overall vitality:

– Include a source of lean protein such as chicken, fish, beans, or lentils in every meal.

– Experiment with plant-based proteins to add diversity and benefit from different nutrients.

Food For Thought

At Home Instead Epping Forest, our Care Professionals are dedicated to supporting our clients and their families in good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle all year round. As well as nutrition, it’s important to stay active, even in the colder months.

Whether it’s assisting with meal planning, shopping for ingredients, or preparing nutritious meals, we aim to make healthy living easier. Getting out to the shops or to active social activities can be a regular part of life with a friendly Care Professional by your side. 

If you or a loved one could use some support with nutrition and meal preparation or getting out and about, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.

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Two older adults with grey hair inside the kitchen while drinking coffee with a younger female carer with long black curly hair chopping vegetables