This time of year is great for sharing sweets with loved ones. More than just your waistline may be at risk from cookies, candies, and meals high in carbohydrates. Popular holiday meals may be harmful to older people who have chronic health issues like diabetes or heart disease.

These meals may aggravate conditions, including excessive blood sugar and high blood pressure. Both may have severe health problems. We offer some recommendations if you or a senior loved one are attempting to maintain your routine during the holidays.

Making holiday menus and snacks lighter

1. Change beloved recipes

Without significantly changing the flavor, the majority of holiday foods may be altered to have less fat, calories, salt, and sugar. Therefore, everyone may indulge in their favorite holiday foods while eating a little bit better. Simple and healthier options include using unsweetened applesauce in place of part of the butter in biscuits or plain yogurt in place of sour cream in the vegetable dip.

2. Portion management is crucial

Even those with long-term health issues can occasionally have a few bites of their favorite food without feeling any negative effects. Portion control and discipline are the keys. For particular recommendations, see your doctor. The doctor might advise a few treats in moderation if your or a senior's disease is under control.

3. Maintain hydration

During the holidays, it is advised to avoid sugary beverages and sodas and choose water instead. Water aids in eliminating extra sugar from the circulation.

It's important to stay hydrated throughout the year, even during the holidays. Hydration helps reduce weariness and drowsiness, which can cause overeating of harmful comfort foods.

4. Also count your carbohydrates

Many individuals believe they would be better off if they forgo the dessert table and choose heartier appetizers. The unfortunate fact is that many of those choices are high in carbs. Christmas goodies like cookies and cakes may be healthier for you than pasta salads, holiday bread, cheese, and processed meats. Fruit salads, raw veggies, and nuts are better options.

5. Eat before events

Another suggestion is to load up on nutritious foods before going to a holiday party or gathering. You may have heard this advice before. It will be much more difficult to reject those tempting delicacies if you arrive at the party hungry.

Finally, keep up your exercise routine despite the busy holiday season. It is now more crucial than ever. Choose two fifteen-minute sessions if you are unable to fit in a full thirty minutes of exercise. You'll get the same advantages.

You could do chair yoga with your elderly family member for fifteen minutes in the morning, and then in the evening, before heading to a holiday party, you could go for a quick walk.

Dining at a Heritage Care Home

One misconception is that the cuisine at senior care facilities is subpar. In the senior living community of Heritage Care Home, nothing could be farther from the truth. To get in touch with the cooks in our community, we even have our own Heritage Care Home Culinary Institute.

To arrange a visit and to dine with us for lunch or dinner, contact the community that is closest to you. You'll be able to personally witness how we are raising the bar for senior living!