Holiday Overeating

The holidays are known for spending quality time with loved ones and eating traditional meals with your family, but many people overeat during the holidays. While enjoying food during this time of year is important, seniors must be mindful of what they eat. Here are a few tips from BeeHive Homes that can help ensure the elderly members of your family stay healthy and enjoy the holiday festivities this year and for years to come.

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to healthy eating habits for seniors, especially during the holidays.

1. Stick to a regular schedule: It can be easy to get off track from your eating schedule during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It is best to stick with the meal schedule your loved ones have now. Keeping a schedule will help limit overeating. It’s also critical to be aware of what they are eating. Avoid any special holiday foods that may have an adverse reaction to medications; chocolate, grapefruit, licorice and dairy products can be an issue with some prescription medications.
2. Make sure to eat fruits and vegetables: Keeping fruits and vegetables in the diet during the holidays is crucial. Eating healthy fruits and vegetables before a rich meal will also help reduce the amount of heavier holiday foods consumed.
3. Use a smaller plate: If you are worried about eating too much, use a smaller plate. This simple trick lets you have a plate full of goodies but helps limit the amount of food eaten in one sitting.
4. Don’t let food be the focus: Although home-cooked meals are a staple for many family holiday gatherings, don’t let the food steal the show. The holidays are about spending time with loved ones, sharing old memories, and creating new ones. When some focus is taken off the food, there is less pressure to overeat.

Holidays are an important time of the year, especially for older family members. The holidays can be a little challenging for those in assisted living and long-term care, but they don’t have to be. At BeeHive Homes in New Mexico, our caregivers aim to ensure your loved ones enjoy their favorite holiday traditions. For more information, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to lend a helping hand every step of the way.