Caregivers are busy and often on the go. Having a lot on your plate can make it difficult to prepare healthy meals. Many caregivers opt for quick foods that are ready to eat. Unfortunately, many of these lack nutrition and are heavily processed.
A poor diet not only negatively affects your physical and mental wellbeing, but it can also affect your ability to care for your senior loved one. A healthy diet, on the other hand, can leave you energized and ready to tackle any challenge. Here are a few tips for busy caregivers to eat healthy on the go.
3 Tips for Eating Healthy on the Go
- Look for chain restaurants with healthy menu options.
Fast food has a bad reputation, but many popular chains have accommodated the demand for healthier options. If you need something quick while on the go, don’t be afraid to check out their options.
El Pollo Loco, for example, features an “Under 500 Calories” section on their menu. You can enjoy fresh foods like the Chicken Black Bean Bowl or a Double Chicken Avocado Salad. Even McDonald’s has healthier options. You can choose sliced apples instead of fries or the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich instead of fried chicken.
- Research home delivery meal services.
Home delivery meal services, like Freshly, deliver fully cooked meals straight to your door. This service can help caregivers who don’t have time to cook fresh, healthy meals for themselves. When the meals arrive, store them in your refrigerator. When you are ready to eat, simply pop them in the microwave.
A great thing about these services is many allow you to select a meal plan based on your diet and nutrition goals. They might offer vegan, keto, or low-carb options. Some companies even allow you to customize your meals. For example, you might be able to make a menu item low-sodium or sugar-free.
- Take advantage of restaurant delivery services.
Restaurant delivery services are another great option for busy caregivers. These let you order food from local restaurants and have it delivered to your home or office. Food delivery services let you access more options and allow you to receive food within minutes. This feature can be particularly beneficial for caregivers who need something to eat last minute.
Uber Eats and DoorDash are two popular restaurant delivery services. They allow you to order and pay for food directly from a phone app. Once you place your order, you can track the status of your delivery until it arrives at your location.
Healthy Eating Is Important
There are so many benefits to eating a healthy diet. In addition to improving physical health, making good food choices can help caregivers avoid weight loss or weight gain, increase energy, and manage many chronic medical conditions. Being healthy helps caregivers provide their loved ones with the care they deserve.
Heritage Senior Communities Encourages Healthy Eating
If your caregiving role is affecting your diet, you may want to explore local senior living options. Many assisted living communities, including Heritage Senior Communities, offer comfortable and safe living arrangements for seniors while allowing them to maintain their independence. The best way to learn more about how our communities help seniors thrive is by scheduling a private tour. Contact us today to get started.