Healthy eating is something we all strive for but some days it can be challenging to eat a nutritious, balanced diet. Healthy Eating Week is right around the corner, and we want to help you and your loved ones find delicious and healthy ways to eat.
Eating healthy is the best way for us to maintain our bodies and regain much-needed energy. In 2021, only 20% of adults met the energy density requirements set by the Scottish Dietary Goal. Whether you struggle in the kitchen or need help navigating nutrition, this guide is for you.
For personalised advice, contact our team at myCare today.
Healthy Eating for the People You Care for
Healthy eating is an important part of supporting our loved ones. Poor diets can impact our bodies in a range of ways. A poor diet can affect our blood pressure, impact heart conditions or even affect our dental health. Likewise, our weight can also cause other conditions to develop such as diabetes. In Scotland, over half a million people are at risk of developing diabetes due to obesity.
But how do you know if your loved one’s current diet is nutritious enough? Whether you’re caring for senior or younger loved ones, these are some healthy eating tips to remember.
Water Intake
Staying hydrated is one of the most important steps to staying healthy. Drinking water helps with digestion and gives the body the strength it needs to keep functioning. Remind your loved one to drink before and after meals to make it easier to keep track of their water intake.
Nutritious Foods
Building a diet with the right balance of nutrition can be difficult to navigate. When there are so many options available, you might struggle to know where to start. Most nutritious diets consist of fruits, vegetables, grains and protein.
When planning meals for your loved one take a look at the ingredients you’re selecting. A pack of cut fruit is a better option than a crisp packet. Likewise, balanced meals with meat and vegetables are always better than fried foods, even if you’re not sure how to cook.
Healthy Eating Tips for You
Looking after our loved ones is often our top priority. But it’s important to look after yourself as well. Healthy eating can help you maintain the energy you need to get through the day. Feeling refreshed and revitalised can improve your mood and mental health, as well as your physical well-being.
Make Drinking Water Enjoyable
When we’re running errands it can be easy to forget to drink water. Likewise, you might find yourself reaching for soft drinks or fruit juice instead. These drinks are high in sugar and are less hydrating than water.
You can infuse fruit in your water bottles if you want flavoured drinks. Adding cucumber or orange slices to your water is a great, healthy way to make drinking more enjoyable.
Make Healthy Snacks
If you’re a busy person, running on coffee and fumes until lunch might be a common occurrence. But waiting until you can have a big meal can be detrimental. Snacking is a great way to keep your energy up and avoid crashing through the day. But what snacks should you pack?
Healthy snacks are ideal for curbing your hunger and giving you a bigger energy boost. Cutting carrot or celery sticks is an easy and simple way of prepping your snack selection. Fruit or nut packets are also a great option if you don’t want to waste too much time prepping.
Shop Right
Eating healthy is a lot harder if you don’t have much in your kitchen. If you want to prep more and start eating healthy, the first step should be your shopping choices. Shopping on an empty stomach is the fastest way to fill your kitchen with delicious but unhealthy food.
Make sure to eat a good meal or plenty of snacks before you go shopping. With a clear head and a full stomach, you’re more likely to make better choices.
Healthy Meal Ideas
If you’re interested in cooking more at home, here are some easy meal ideas that can improve your diet.
Breakfasts
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It gives your body the energy to keep going. Some healthier breakfast options might be toast and eggs rather than sugary cereal. Fruit is also always a great option if you want something with a little more flavour and natural sugars.
Meals
When planning meals, white meat is a great healthy option. It’s lower in fat than other meats and provides necessary protein.
Making shredded chicken sandwiches is a great choice to add protein and nutrition to your diet.
Fish and chicken are also very versatile when it comes to cooking dinners. Cooking them with a side of vegetables is an easy healthy option. If you want to branch out, curries are a great way to make healthy meals with delicious flavour.
One Healthy Plate at a Time
Healthy eating can be daunting if you’re just starting. But following these easy tips is a great way to take the first step. Drinking more water and eating more fruit might seem like a small change, but it can make a big impact on your well-being.
Healthy eating is the best way to feel energised and refreshed. At myCare, we understand how confusing it can be to navigate balancing diets with your loved ones’ needs.
