Now that his doctor’s said he has prediabetes, you need your dad to cut his sugar intake. He’s always liked sugar in his coffee. He prefers sugary sodas to water. He also has a sweet tooth when it comes to dessert.
Here are tips on getting your dad to cut his sugar intake.
Swap Seltzer for Sodas
If your dad likes the fizz that a soda delivers, get him to switch to seltzer. Some brands have a stronger taste than others, so you may need to go for the brands with more prominent flavors. If he’s still hesitant, add a slice of lemon, lime, or orange to mask any aftertaste that he dislikes. Make sure the product you buy is seltzer and not sparkling water. Sparkling water may contain sweeteners.
Add Spices or Natural Flavorings to Coffees and Teas
If your dad loves sugar in his coffee or tea, skip the sugar and add a strong flavor like vanilla or cinnamon instead. While they don’t contain added sugars, they can make a beverage more appealing without the need for sugar. A bit of cocoa powder in a coffee will bring it to a new level, and your dad may never even notice the sugar is missing.
Check Labels Carefully
It’s amazing what you find sugar in. When shopping with your dad, read labels carefully. His favorite pasta sauce may have sugar as a second ingredient, even when the tomatoes are already sweet. You might find his preferred bread is made with corn syrup. Ketchup, canned soup, and yogurt are other items that often have loads of unnecessary sugar. Look for the words sugar, corn syrup, fructose, sucrose, and cane syrup.
Switch to Fruits When Possible
Your dad wants a dessert, but you don’t want him having excess sugar. A frozen banana and some frozen strawberries, mango, and other fruit make a great sorbet that does not contain added sugar or corn syrup. Use a blender or purchase a Yonanas machine to turn fruit into a creamy dessert that only has natural sugars.
Ask for help from a caregiver. If your dad has someone helping him around the home, especially when it comes to meal preparation, it may be easier to cut some sugars from his diet. A home care services professional can help him plan a weekly menu, shop for the ingredients, and prep and cook the meals. Plus, your dad may be more willing to eat a nutritious, low-sugar meal each night if he has someone to keep him company. Call our home care services agency now and learn more about the benefits of caregivers.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Nedham MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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