One of the easiest breakfasts many of you go for is cereal. Some cereal is healthier than others, but it can be hard to know which cereal to choose. Seniors may not know what to pick up at the grocery store, and if their home care providers don’t know what to look for, they may pick up the wrong cereal for them. It might be difficult to decide between the numerous available brands and tastes, especially given the many promises made on the packaging.
It is possible for seniors to find a healthy cereal that also tastes good. However, they or home care providers must read the label and ingredients in-depth. You will want to check fiber, protein, and sugars that are added in the cereal.
Here are some things your senior should focus on and avoid when choosing the right cereals for breakfast.
Focusing on Grains and Fibers
Every single ingredient needs to be listed on the label of the cereal because it is required by law. This means you can see what type of fiber and grains are in a cereal. Find a cereal that has barley, oats, millet, or whole wheat. All of these have very important vitamins and minerals that a senior’s body needs. Fiber is beneficial for digestive health and may help prevent constipation, which may become more prevalent with age. To boost fiber in the cereal, have home care providers chop up fresh fruit to add in.
Look for Added Sugars
While it’s not necessary to cut out sugar altogether, it is recommended that you choose a cereal with no more than 6 grams of added sugars per serving. Limiting sugar is essential for any diet, no matter how old someone is. Mix half of your regular cereal with a lower-sugar cereal if the cereal you like most has a lot of added sugar.
Can You Find Protein in Cereal?
When consumed alone, cereal typically provides very little protein. Some grain-free foods advertise a higher protein level than average, but they often come with a higher price tag and a greater proportion of artificial additives. However, when eating a bowl of cereal, it is often partnered with milk. This is the portion that has the most protein and can be healthy for a senior to consume. If your seniors dislike milk, they should try mixing cereal with greek yogurt and fruit! Some seniors may need more protein, and if they do, you can mix protein powder into yogurt or milk.
There Are Many Health Benefits that Home Care Aides can Focus on
Cereal is something that most seniors can eat and enjoy. It is something that is quick to make and requires few ingredients. If your senior is struggling to read the fine print on the labels, this is something you can help them with or something that home care can help with. If your senior is an online shopper, they may be able to magnify the image so they can read the ingredients better. It’s time to find the right cereal for your senior to snack on!
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in San Francisco Bay Area CA, please contact the caring staff at Alondra Home Care today. Call (855)-767-1110.
Providing Exceptional Home Care Services in the Fremont CA and Alameda County area for over 5 years.
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