December 15, 2020 | Healthy Eating and Hydration, Healthy lifestyles
Typically one of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season is sharing delicious food with the people you love. We all have good memories of the kitchen counter overflowing with cookies, candies, and other sweet treats. This holiday season, we may not be spending time in person with extended family and friends, but the holiday food temptations are still there. How can you get through this holiday season in a healthy way?
Finding Balance in the Holidays
The key is to find balance during the holiday season. Enjoy a few small treats while also being proactive in planning healthy meals. Look for small changes that can contribute to help:
- Decrease the consumption of unhealthy foods, such as sweets and refined carbohydrates
- Add vegetables or fruit to the meal plan
- Maintain physical activity by exercising several times a week
- Use portion control to avoid overeating at meals
- Choose healthy recipes for holiday meals, especially if you have family members with diabetes
Home Delivered Meals for Seniors
Are your older loved ones one following a well-balanced diet? The physical changes involved with aging can make it harder to cook, especially when trips to the grocery store fewer.
Since gatherings are limited to prevent the spread of COVID-19, look for other ways you can help seniors access healthy food. For example, you might skip the family holiday dinner. Instead, consider a daily meal delivery service. Affordable solutions are available through programs such as Meals on Wheels and the JFS Foodmobile.
Unique Considerations for the 2020 Holiday Season
COVID-19 has restricted food access for many older adults. The aging population is isolated because they are at the highest risk of complications from this virus. As a result, many people have reduced their consumption of fresh foods, like vegetables, fruit, and lean proteins.
Consider supporting neighbors and family members by dropping fresh food on their doorstep. Skip the sweets and deliver their favorite produce as an alternative. You can show a bit of holiday spirit through the service of grocery shopping while also supporting their goals to maintain health during this season.
At Windward Life Care, we’re committed to supporting your health throughout the year. If you need assistance or support to maintain a healthy lifestyle, contact us for a complimentary phone consultation.