Here Are Foods That You Should Stock For A Parent With Diabetes
In 2015, the American Diabetes Association announced 12 million senior citizens are believed to have diabetes. That same year, it was estimated that more than 84 million had prediabetes. If your senior parent has diabetes, dietary changes are important.
Spring is here. It’s a good time to go through the pantry, cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer and clean out unhealthy foods.
Foods for the Pantry & Cupboards
- Kidney beans,
- Garbanzo beans
- Lentils
- Navy beans
- Other varieties are all a great source of protein and fiber. They’re also rich in minerals like potassium. You should keep your mom or dad stocked with a variety dried beans and lentils. You can use them in soups, stews, curries, and salads.
Whole grains are also a good choice for diabetics.
- Stock the pantry with barley, quinoa, farro, and steel cut oats. Make sure your barley is whole grain and not quick cooking.
Generally, canned vegetables and soups are to be avoided due to the sodium content. You should stock up on canned tomatoes that are packed without salt or added sugars. Tomatoes are high in antioxidants. You can use the canned tomatoes to make a quick sauce for whole grain pasta. All it takes is a can of diced or crushed tomatoes, garlic, and some fresh herbs.
Stick to healthier oils.
- When oils are necessary for meals, olive oil and avocado oil are popular options. Make sure oils are used sparingly in dishes.
For quick snacks, raw nuts are ideal. Avoid canned nuts that have salt or flavored coatings.
- Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are good options.
Foods for the Freezer
Stock the freezer with frozen berries.
- Unsweetened nut milk, frozen berries, and chia or flax seeds make a quick, healthy breakfast smoothie. Berries also pack a punch when it comes to antioxidants.
Fish rich in fatty acids are also important to keep on hand.
- Salmon is one of the best choices. If your parent really doesn’t like salmon, sardines and herring are just as good. Other options include tuna, trout, and mackerel.
Foods for the Refrigerator
Leafy green vegetables like cabbage, kale, and spinach are ideal vegetables for diabetics.
- Not only are they low when it comes to calorie counts, they’re also high in many vitamins and minerals. You should also keep broccoli on hand.
For fruits, berries are good, but they’re often expensive fresh.
- Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit are handy to keep in stock. You can also have lemons and limes available for homemade iced tea and other unsweetened beverages.
Senior care providers can prepare meals that are suitable for a diabetic. If your parent needs to be reminded to check blood sugar levels, senior care aides also help with that. Call our agency to discuss other ways senior care providers help a senior with diabetes.
Sources
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care Services in Gilbert AZ, please contact the caring staff at Progressive Care today.
Affordable In-Home Care in the Wichita Metro Area. Call Today: (316) 691-5050.
