Consistently consuming large amounts of food in a single sitting can lead to weight gain and a variety of other health conditions. While what you’re eating may taste delicious at the moment, it is important to remember the potential long-term effects of these decisions.
Simple advice would say “just eat smaller-sized meals.” However, is that really as easy as it sounds? In a report from the National Institute of Health, increases in portion sizes over the last 20 years have contributed to the obesity problem in the United States. Everything from drink sizes to bagels, popcorn bags, and hamburgers are offered in larger amounts than ever.
This trend raises an important question: If finding healthier portion sizes in grocery stores and restaurants has become more difficult over the last two decades, where does one find a healthier option?
To help meet the need for high-quality, portion-controlled meals for our senior neighbors and loved ones, we strive to offer a variety of different meal delivery plans that are geared specifically toward the nutritional needs of the advanced age community. Each meal is also designed with balanced macronutrients with a team of gourmet chefs ensuring flavor isn’t an afterthought.
Before we talk about the benefits of properly portioned meals, we should first cover the health effects of consuming excessively large amounts of food in a single sitting:
Negative Side Effects of Large Portions Other than Weight Gain
Research dietician Erma Levy, in an article from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, stated that the following side effects of overeating beyond weight gain include:
Discomfort
When you overeat, this causes your stomach to expand and can press against other organs in your body. This creates an uncomfortable feeling and may contribute to feelings of tiredness or sluggishness. Too much food can also cause the stomach to produce gas which can lead to further discomfort.
Organs Working Overtime
When you overeat, your body is pushed into overdrive to break the food down. Organs like your heart, stomach, liver, and intestines are working at a faster pace than normal to digest what you’ve eaten.
Heartburn
If you eat a large portion of food, your stomach will produce more acid to digest it. This can result in the acid entering the esophagus and causing heartburn and discomfort. High-fat foods are the most likely to produce this side effect than other types of meals.
Increased Risk of Weight-Related Illness
According to a report from the National Institute of Health on Obesity, evidence suggests that a variety of cancers are linked to obesity as well as diabetes. Often, many people struggling with obesity are living with a degree of chronic inflammation which can harm one’s DNA and lead to developing a type of cancer.
Benefits of Eating Portion Controlled Meals
Eating a balanced, portion-controlled meal like one of the options from our delivery meal plans for seniors can provide the following benefits:
Consistent Nutrient Intake
Eating a nutrition-driven, dietician-developed meal will ensure that you are eating delicious food that supports overall bodily health. You can enjoy new dishes each time that provide a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients at the same time.
Portion, Sodium, and Carbohydrate-Controlled
Each meal is crafted to account for healthy portion sizes, sodium levels, and grams of carbohydrates relative to helping seniors live a high quality of life. This helps prevent unhealthy weight gain, promote better organ function, and other wellness benefits.
Fresh, Whole Ingredients
We only prepare dishes with fresh, whole ingredients sourced from providers that are as committed to quality as we are. This ensures you are regularly eating tasty meals that are good for you without any processed, frozen menu items that are typically higher in sodium, fat, and carbohydrates.
Get Healthy, Portion Controlled Meals for Seniors Delivered
At DeliverLean Care, we prioritize providing healthy, delicious meals for seniors without any preparation required. Just heat and eat!
If you are looking to get serious about portion control, please contact us anytime to discuss how we can deliver the perfect meal for your needs right to your front door.
Note: DeliverLean Care is covered by most insurance providers, including Avmed Humana and Care Plus. If you would like more information regarding this, please contact your insurance provider or reach out to us for more information.