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Seniors should eat healthy foods, no matter what their current medical needs or conditions are at this time. Healthy eating habits promote good health and can even help with existing medical conditions. Having a healthy diet has many benefits and seniors should make sure their diet is nutritious. The list that is provided below contains tips for seniors on how they can eat healthy and improve their health.

1. Variety is the spice of life! Just because seniors do not require as many calories as younger adults, this does not mean they cannot mix up their daily diets. Having a variety of foods in a diet is a great way to get the proper nutrition while enjoying what is being eaten.

2. Fruits and vegetables are essential. It doesn’t matter if they are fresh, frozen or canned, but having daily servings of fruits and vegetables will provide the body with essential nutrients. Dark green and orange vegetables should be included in a diet.

3. Seniors require protein, so make sure a diet contains some beans, fish or peas.

4. Whole-grain products are very beneficial. Try to switch from white bread to whole-grain bread. Cereal, rice and pasta are also available in whole-grain.

5. When eating dairy, make sure it is low-fat. Seniors should keep an eye on their fat intake, so low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese should be incorporated into the diet. Make sure the products are fortified with Vitamin D as well.

6. When consuming foods with fat, try to choose foods that contain healthy fats. These include monosaturated and polysaturated fats.

Source: eatright.org

Image Via: webspin.org

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Healthy living for seniors starts with nutrition, and the month of March which is National Nutrition Month is the right time to educate yourself, as a caregiver or older adult on how seniors can maintain a healthy diet.

Studies show that healthy eating into your later years can prevent or reduce the likelihood of many diseases and illnesses that are relatively common in older adulthood, including osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease and some forms of cancer. It’s easy for the elderly to neglect their diets as they age; they may have a reduced appetite, require less energy from food, or find they no longer get the same enjoyment from eating that they did when they were younger. Choosing a diet rich in nutrients, but low in empty calories can provide seniors with the vitamins and nutrients they require on a daily basis to keep them disease free, healthy and active.

A senior’s diet should consist of:
• Lots of fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned and frozen)
• Whole grains
• Low fat or fat-free dairy products (including milk, yogurt, cheese)
• Lean sources of protein, like lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts

Meal planning for seniors should follow guidelines set by the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid to focus on proper nutrition, although senior food choices can still reflect the foods that they enjoy. Meals for seniors can be both nutritious and delicious.

Sources: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/howtoeatwell/01.html
http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=2&tax_subject=256&topic_id=1348

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.