For elderly adults, not having an appetite or a desire for food can be frustrating and bad for overall health. When an elderly adult doesn\u2019t seem to have an appetite and begins to lose too much weight, it can become a concern for caregivers, too. The truth is, even when elderly adults feel that they aren\u2019t hungry their body still needs nutrients to maintain a healthy weight, energy, and overall good health. However, eating when the desire for food is lost can be tricky and difficult. Here are some tips that elderly adults and their caregivers can use to make sure that their nutritional needs are met.<\/p>\n
When Hunger Hits, Make it Count<\/strong><\/p>\n This means when the desire to eat returns, elderly adults should snack on foods that are nutrient dense. Elderly adults can get great amounts of the vitamins and minerals they need from even small snacks as long as those snacks are comprised of healthy, nutrient-rich foods. Some examples of nutrient rich foods that should always be on hand and ready-to-eat are berries, nuts, vegetables, and whole grain foods.<\/p>\n See if Medications are to Blame<\/strong><\/p>\n Many times a loss of appetite is a side effect of certain medications. If appetite loss is beginning to negatively impact health, it may be time for a doctor\u2019s visit. Sometimes medications can be changed or modified so that elderly adults can get their taste for food and quality of life back.<\/p>\n Get Regular Exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n Regular exercise can help give elderly adults a stronger appetite and the desire to eat. Even light or moderate exercise like taking short walks can do the trick. Just make sure to fill up on good, nutrient-rich foods when you are done!<\/p>\n Eat Small Meals Throughout the Day<\/strong><\/p>\n Instead of 3 large meals, elderly adults may find that eating frequent small meals or snacks throughout the day is more satisfying and appealing. When caring for an elderly loved one, caregivers should make sure these small meals are filled with the essential vitamins and minerals and represent all of the food groups. Don\u2019t just rely on one or two types of food to serve all day, make sure each day\u2019s meal plan includes grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Minneapolis, MN and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SENIOR CARE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN For elderly adults, not having […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":106,"featured_media":7637,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1240],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-302","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nutrition-healthy-habits"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nSource: http:\/\/www.webmd.com\/healthy-aging\/nutrition-world-3\/maintaining-appetite?page=1<\/p>\n