Homecare: Why Does Your Dad’s Doctor Recommend the Mediterranean Diet?
Homecare: At your dad’s last doctor’s appointment, his doctor told him to focus his meals around the healthy eating principles of the Mediterranean Diet.
Why is this diet so popular? What makes it so healthy? Homecare services providers can help you with this.
Understanding the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is patterned after the lifestyle and foods eaten in the Mediterranean. Butter and margarine are not used. Instead, olive oil is a staple. Whole grains are eaten regularly. Fresh produce is always an integral part of a meal.
Red meat, eggs, and poultry are eaten in moderation, but fish is eaten multiple times a week. Eggs and dairy are also not always eaten regularly. Most meals focus on vegetables, fruit, and fish.
For breakfast, your dad could have a bowl of steamed farro topped with fresh berries and fresh mint. Lunch could be a bowl of spinach topped with grilled shrimp, red peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms with fresh basil as a topping. A bowl of minestrone and barley stuffed pepper are ideal for dinner.
Why It’s Helpful
Because the Mediterranean diet focuses heavily on produce and whole grains, it’s believed to help with heart health, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. It also avoids added sugar from desserts.
There’s another side to consider with the Mediterranean diet. It promotes an active lifestyle. Eat with friends and family, go for walks together after a meal, and avoid being sedentary.
Your dad should get 30 minutes of activity each day. He wants to go for a daily walk a few days a week, do yoga twice a week, and lift weights. Mixing up exercise programs is best for staying healthy, improving balance, and strengthening muscles.
Other Preferred Diets
Your dad’s doctor may also recommend the DASH or MIND diets. Those are similar when it comes to making vegetables and whole grains the main focus. DASH diets reduce sodium intake. MIND diets focus heavily on grains, vegetables, and berries for brain health.
Where Can You Turn for Guidance?
Your dad can ask to talk to a dietitian to get help finding suitable meal plans and learning about portions. His doctor can refer him to someone in his network if that’s required for his health insurance. You can also find information online if your dad needs recipes that reduce sodium, saturated fat, or sugar.
Does your dad need help with his meals and snacks? If he tends to eat frozen meals and takeout because cooking is challenging, hire homecare services. His caregivers can cook for him. Call a home care agency to learn more about meal preparation services from an elder care aide.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Berwyn, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544
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