Healthy Breakfast for a Sharper Mind for Seniors
It’s more important than ever to put health first as the years pass by, especially when it comes to dietary choices. Of course, those choices start with what has long been touted as the most important meal of the day—breakfast. A healthy breakfast in the morning not only gives the body the nutrients it needs, but it also wakes up the brain and sets the tone for a busy but efficient day. With companion care at home providers by their side, seniors are not only encouraged to eat a healthy breakfast but also gain valuable tips on what a healthy breakfast looks like.
Why Is Breakfast Important?
After a good night’s rest, breakfast gives the body the food it needs to start working again. For seniors, a well-balanced breakfast is even more important because it can improve their general health and brain function. According to research, eating a healthy breakfast can improve focus, memory, and more. In addition, a healthy breakfast can help control blood sugar, protect the heart, and help seniors lose weight, all of which are important.
What Should Breakfast Include to Boost Brain Power?
With companion care at home helping seniors, they can choose the right foods to get their day going. Some of the foods to focus on are listed below:
Protein: Seniors need to eat breakfast foods that are high in protein. Protein helps keep muscles strong, keeps the brain healthy, and makes them feel full, so seniors can eat less and stay full longer. Additionally, they should choose foods that are low in fat, like turkey or chicken sausage, eggs, Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese.
Fiber: Fiber is important for gut health and can help keep blood sugar levels in check, which is especially important for seniors with or at risk of diabetes. Whole-grain bread, oatmeal, bran cereal, fresh fruits, and vegetables are all high-fiber foods that seniors can choose.
Healthy Fats: Eating breakfast with healthy fats can give seniors energy that lasts and help their brains work better. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), and nuts (like almonds and walnuts) are all good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamins and Minerals: To improve their general health, seniors should try to eat a breakfast that includes a range of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C, calcium, and potassium can be found in fresh fruits and veggies, cereals with added vitamins, and dairy products.
Beyond what breakfast should include, companion care at home can encourage seniors to focus on mindful eating. This means paying attention to hunger cues and focusing more on the eating experience by avoiding distractions like TV or doing other things during meals. Also, loved ones and companion care at home may need to encourage seniors to push their comfort zones and try new foods to create the best breakfast for their needs.
Seniors need to eat a healthy breakfast every morning to keep their health and brain function at their best. They can get a great start to the day by making sure their breakfasts have protein, fiber, healthy fats, and important vitamins and minerals.
Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-brain-foods
https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/g20503713/breakfasts-that-boost-your-brain/
If you or a senior family member are considering hiring Companion Care at Home Services in Totowa NJ, please contact the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC. In-home senior care servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today at (973) 427-3553.
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