Older adults should focus on their diets. Sodium, fat, sugar, and fiber intake are four of the most important areas to focus on one’s diet. Your parents are considering adding more vegetarian meals to their lifestyles, but there are certain foods they don’t want to give up.
Your parents keep reading about the plant-based burgers like the Beyond Burger. They’re talking about giving up beef and switching solely to these burgers. You’re wondering if they’re better for your parents.
If you look at the dietary needs of an older adult, the government recommends older adults have 3 cups of dairy each day. Add to that at least 2 ½ cups of vegetables each day. For fruits, 1 1/3 cups are recommended. Grains are next at ¾ cups per day. Finally, protein should be 5 ounces per day.
There Are Pros and Cons
Vegetarian meals can be healthier. For decades, nutritionists have touted plant-based diets as healthier choices. Studies show that vegetarians had lower BMIs and a lower risk of different cancers. Vegetarian diets are often lower in fats, higher in grains, and rich in fiber.
The plant-based burgers are processed and may contain GMOs. They don’t contain ground vegetables as you’d think. They’re a mix of coconut and canola oils, rice, mung bean, and pea proteins. Some brands add potato starch, soy protein, different seasonings, and added vitamins and minerals. Genetic engineering is used to create the heme that gives them the appearance of blood. Other brands use beet juice to create the red color.
Around 2 grams of fiber is found in one plant-based burger. Around 20 grams of protein is found in one burger, too. That makes them healthy when it comes to protein and fiber content.
They’re easy to cook. You can grill them or fry them in a non-stick skillet. They don’t take long to cook either, which makes them appealing to older adults who hate spending time in the kitchen.
Because plant-based burgers are processed, nutritionists recommend that people eat them in moderation. They’re good once in a while, but they shouldn’t be something your parents have each day.
Is There Another Way to Improve Diet?
There’s a better way to get your parents to eat more vegetarian meals. Hire a home care aide to cook their meals for them. You can work out a menu together. The caregiver will take your parent’s shopping, help them put away groceries back at home, and cook meals for them. A home care specialist can help you with pricing and schedules.
If you or a family member are in need of hiring Homecare in Boca Raton, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
Sources:
Edis.ifas.ufl.edu
Health.harvard.edu
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