You Are What You Eat: Home Instead Lancaster's Guide to Healthy Nutrition
Essential nutrition tips with Home Instead Lancaster to support your well-being throughout the year. <br />
Maintaining a nutritious diet is crucial for staying healthy throughout the year; as the saying goes, ‘you are what you eat.’ Proper nutrition is essential for feeling your best every day.
At Home Instead Lancaster, we are dedicated to providing clear, actionable nutrition advice. It’s okay to enjoy a treat now and then, but the foundation of your diet should be wholesome and nourishing.
Here are some simple guidelines for our clients and their families in Lancaster to keep everyone healthy and well-nourished:
Hydration Is Key
– Begin your day with a warm glass of lemon water to stimulate your digestion.
– Always have a bottle or flask of herbal tea or water handy.
– Aim for 6-8 glasses of water daily, using reminders to help you stay hydrated.
Perfect Your Portions
– Choose smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to help manage energy and aid digestion.
– Use smaller plates to help naturally control portion sizes.
– Make sure each meal includes a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, such as a portion of grilled chicken, a serving of brown rice, and steamed colourful vegetables.
Keep It Simple
– Prepare ingredients ahead of time to minimise cooking time.
– Store healthy snacks like fruits and nuts within easy reach to avoid the temptation of unhealthy options.
– Plan your meals weekly to ensure variety and balanced nutrition. Consider using pre-cut frozen vegetables for their convenience and nutritional value.
Variety Is the Spice of Life
– Incorporate different coloured vegetables and fruits into your meals to maximise your intake of essential nutrients.
– Experiment with various natural food colours from vegetables, fruits, and spices to keep your meals interesting and visually appealing.
Focus on Lean Proteins
– Ensure that each meal includes a source of lean protein, such as chicken, fish, beans, or lentils.
– Consider adding plant-based proteins to diversify your diet and gain additional health benefits.
Staying Active
Regular physical activity is as important as maintaining a good diet, especially for older adults. Engage in gentle, safe exercises designed to keep you moving:
Regular Walks: Encourage daily or weekly walks, depending on individual ability. Even short walks can significantly benefit cardiovascular health and mental well-being.
Light Stretching Routines: Engage in daily stretching to improve flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness, which can be done with the assistance of a Care Professional to ensure safety.
Dancing: Dancing is not only fun but also an excellent way to stay active and improve coordination. So put some music on and get your body moving!
Food For Thought
At Home Instead Lancaster, our Care Professionals are committed to assisting our clients and their families with maintaining a healthy diet and an active lifestyle throughout the year. We help with meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing nutritious meals, as well as organising appropriate physical activities.
We also promote staying active through regular outings for shopping or participating in social activities, making these enjoyable parts of everyday life with the support of our friendly Care Professionals.
If you or someone you care for could benefit from support with nutrition and meal preparation or simply getting out and about, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help every step of the way.