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Changing Nutritional Needs and Eating Habits

As you age your nutritional needs may change, as may your eating habits. Things such as calories consumed, your appetite and home life may be things that change over time. Other factors such as medications, medical conditions and oral health may be contributing factors as to why your diet will change.

Calories

Appetite

Home Life

You can imagine that your life at home influences your eating habits to a certain extent. For example, if you are cooking for one, you may be tempted to skip the cooking and order take-out. If you are accustomed to cooking for two, it can be daunting to cook just for yourself. More so, if you are just entering your retirement years and are used to having the family at home, it can be challenging to start cooking just for two. Finding some simple recipes tailored to one or two servings may be a way to approach this obstacle. We have linked to a couple of recipes for your reading (and cooking!) pleasure.

Chicken Breast and Avocado Salad

Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry

You can also read some of our favourite recipes here.

Medications

You may need to take medications to manage chronic health conditions. Some medications can affect your appetite or sense of taste. Some can also interact with certain foods and nutritional supplements. When you start a new medication, it is extremely important you check with your doctor or pharmacist for any dietary changes that need to be made.

For example, if you’re taking the blood thinner Warfarin (also sold as Coumadin), you need to avoid grapefruit. It impairs your body’s ability to metabolize that specific medication. You also need to maintain a steady level of vitamin K, which can be consumed in leafy greens such as kale or spinach.

Medical Conditions

As you get older, you become more likely to develop chronic health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis. To help prevent or manage these conditions, your physician may recommend some dietary changes.

For example, if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you should eat foods that are rich in nutrients, but low in excess calories, processed sugars, and saturated and trans fats.

Some older adults with certain health conditions become sensitive to foods such as onions, peppers, dairy products, and spicy foods. People receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer may also have a hard time finding foods that are palatable due to changes to the taste buds as a result from chemotherapy.

Oral Health

How Can Freiheit Care Help?

Whether you are at home recovering from surgery or need just a little bit of extra help around the house, call us. We offer personalized packages that include an array of services, including meal preparation and light housekeeping. We can assist you or your loved one with cooking in your own homes, using your own ingredients, developing healthy eating habits and helping you cook a meal you’ll love.

Additional Information and Recipes

our home care services

During this pandemic we know you want to reduce the risk of infection. That’s why our number one package offers exclusive caregivers, who only work with one client.

About Us

We are a family business, based in Ottawa. We are dedicated not only to giving you premium quality care, but also to valuing and investing in our staff. We believe you will notice the difference when you choose to work with us.

contact us

613-518-8258
1-855-844-5483
info@freiheit.ca
1280 Old Innes Rd, Suite 802, Ottawa, ON, K1B 5M7