Seniors like to think that they know better, but they are as guilty as everyone else when it comes to poor dietary choices. I worked as a hospital Discharge Planner at one time, and it was not unusual to have seniors refuse the Meals-on-Wheels program. Their reasoning usually centered on the fact that they didn’t think the food was all that great. At the same many of them admitted that they “got by” on instant cereal and cups of soup from a mix.
I see seniors flock to fast food establishment’s every day for coffee and quick lunches, and why not? The coffee is affordable, you can get a meal for $3 and the company is good. The trouble is that a diet of double cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes will often lead to bigger waistlines and more health problems. .
I overheard a young fellow just the other day complaining that his cholesterol was too high. It didn’t stop him from dining at his favorite local eatery, but at least he was concerned. You have probably been enjoying your cheeseburgers, fries and milk shakes for a long time. They are quick and tasty and surprisingly inexpensive, but it is the fat, salt and sugar in them that make them so irresistible. I have nothing against fast food places. I wouldn’t be seeing you there if I weren’t there (more often than I should be) myself.
Have you done irreparable damage? Probably so, but you can still undo a good share of it. You may figure “why bother?” Well, it’s like this…in addition to losing weight and slimming your waistline, you will be protecting yourself from heart disease and diabetes.
How can you kick the fast food habit? Everyone is busy. Calling for take-out or stopping at a drive through is the quickest way to put a meal on the table. Perhaps a little common sense is the answer. I thought that Sari Harrar in her book “Long Life Prescription” made some sensible observations. I would like to share a few of them with you. Her recommendations are pretty much common sense but sometimes it helps to hear it again, and from someone who knows.
- Don’t try to do it all at once. Try limiting your visits to once or twice a week. Buy a little less, even if just ordering a small serving of fries instead of a large. Buy from the healthier side of the menu. Most of the places have soups, salads, fruit slices, milk and a number of other options.
- Cut out the soda. Yes, fast food places offer coffee, tea, and bottled water.
- If you opt for grilled chicken instead of burgers you are part of the way there. Add soup or a side salad, and close your eyes to those yummy fries altogether.
- Of course frequenting the local grocery store is the best thing to do. You can try stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables, prepared salads and fruit cups that you can grab when you want just a little something.
- Try a local sandwich shop where you can mix and match or pick and choose.
If you eat fast foods more than once or twice a week you have fallen into the category of an “unhealthy lifestyle.” If you are even a little bit concerned, you should see your doctor for a full battery of health screening tests. Finding out what damage you have already done can be a strong motivator for changing your ways.
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