Proper nutrition is essential as it supports general wellness and promotes disease prevention. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, proper nutrition is crucial to prevent obesity and other health problems, as well as positively impact brain development, behavior, motor skills, and speech.
As a leading provider of behavioral health care in North Carolina, we will share simple tips to promote nutrition for adults with disabilities:
- Maintain Balance
A balanced diet consists of dairy, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and protein. Meals with colorful vegetables and fruits can make them more attractive. This also adds variety to their meals while making mealtime exciting and fun while boosting their immunity and promoting gut health.
- Stay Hydrated
To ensure proper nutrition, individuals with disabilities need to stay hydrated throughout the day. To start, they can replace soda and sports drinks with water. It helps to keep a pitcher of water on the table during meals for easy refills too.
- Reduce Sodium and Sugar
Junk food and other artificial ingredients are more difficult for the organs to process. Over time, they also contribute to obesity and other health conditions like diabetes. In addition to case management, adults with disabilities can limit sugar and sodium by keeping a food journal to stay aware and mindful of their intake.
- Slow Down
By eating slowly, adults with disabilities have more time to enjoy their food and allow their bodies time to process it. This also allows them to socialize while they eat and build relationships.
A TOUCH OF GRACE INC is a trusted provider of high-quality mental health care in Fayetteville, NC. We provide support and therapeutic intervention for pediatric and adult clients. Reach out to us to learn more about our services.
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