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Planning a Heart Healthy Thanksgiving Menu

Senior Care in Lexington OH

Thanksgiving is all about tradition, that’s for sure. But if you’re making a meal for one or more people who need to keep an eye on their heart health, it’s possible that you might want to add a few innovations this year to the menu. Here are some ideas that can help, but you may also want to talk to your elderly loved one’s medical team and home care providers to see if there are other changes you might consider.

Consider Superfoods

Superfoods are foods that pack a ton of nutrition into each serving and most have the added benefit of helping to protect against diseases and other conditions, like heart disease or high cholesterol. It’s a good idea to try to incorporate superfoods into all meals, but Thanksgiving is a good one to start with. Foods such as avocado, walnuts, sweet potatoes, and pears are just a few of the superfoods out there. Do a little research on your traditional recipes to see which ones you can substitute with superfood ingredients.

Season with Herbs

Most elderly loved ones who are on a diet to help control their heart conditions are told to avoid sodium. It’s tough to convince some salt lovers that cutting back can be good for them and tasty, too, so try to replace some of the salt in your usual recipes with herbs that can add flavor. These little changes can really help.

Start with a Salad

When you go out to eat, they usually start you off with a salad course. You can do the same for Thanksgiving dinner. Sure, most people want to save lots of room for that pumpkin pie later, but starting off with a salad helps to do a few things. First, you’re getting a serving of vegetables into your guests first, which is a great place to use superfoods like kale, spinach, and walnuts. You’re also helping everyone to avoid overeating later at the main event.

Offer Lots of Beverages

Beverages are another way to help your guests avoid overeating, but be careful which beverages you offer. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages have lots of calories and can be something that your relatives with heart problems may want to cut back on. Instead offer water, seltzer flavored with fruit juices, and teas. That way your guests can stay hydrated without taking in a lot of calories or sugar.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a dreary meal if some of your guests are watching their heart health. Healthy options can be delicious, too.

If you are considering hiring senior care in Lexington, OH, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Ashland, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Loudonville, Mt. Gilead, Shelby, Wooster and the surrounding areas.

Source
http://www.webmd.com/diet/superfoods-everyone-needs

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

Stephen Sternbach

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