A recent scientific study in Canada has proven that eating protein with all three daily meals can help seniors maintain muscle strength. The body breaks down muscle protein at a faster rate later in life. Eating protein with every meal is a great way to build up the muscle proteins in the body to prevent muscle decline.
The increased strength created by this new diet will help the body perform at a higher level. Doing simple everyday tasks will no longer be a chore, making it a lot easier for seniors to live independently. These changes can be enough to keep someone from needing specialty senior care. The diet should be incorporated with mild physical activity to get the best results.
The biggest challenge of this new diet plan is getting the senior to eat three meals every day. The body’s metabolism naturally slows down as we age. This causes seniors to have a smaller appetite than younger adults. Luckily, they will not have to eat large meals in order to have success with this diet. The study recommends roughly two ounces of protein with all three meals.
It is fairly easy to incorporate two ounces of protein into a meal. This protein can come from a small piece of meat, chicken or fish. You can also find roughly two ounces of protein in two eggs, two tablespoons of peanut butter or a half cup of beans. Getting the senior in your life to eat three times a day may be a little difficult at first, but just explain to them that the new diet will help them avoid getting home care. The promise of increased independence should be enough to get any senior to enjoy more protein.
If you need help transitioning into senior life and home care, our team is ready to help. Contact us today to get started.
