Since March is “National Nutrition Month®” and the month of new beginnings—think spring, right?—a great way for the elderly to take part is to make better, healthier food choice.
This year’s theme of National Nutrition Month® is great flavors. So let’s add great choices to great flavors. Here are 10 ways to add flavor and nutrition to your meal choices.
The great thing about these tips are you can do them at your assisted living facility. Make retirement community living better living and enjoy your senior living years with healthy food choices.
Here are great tips for nutritious and healthy eating:
- Eat breakfast—A healthy breakfast is a great start to your day. Lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables are the best. A breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, low-fat cheese, plain yogurt with fruit, a smoothie, or whole grain cereals are great choices.
- Add fruits and vegetables to half your plate—Celebrate flavor and color with fruits and vegetables. Make 2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables your daily goal. Try different fruits and vegetables. Feel free to eat fresh, frozen and canned fruits and veggies.
- Check the food labels—Get smart by reading the nutrition facts panel on the label of the fruit or vegetable product. Watch out for high sodium and sugar.
- Make healthy snack choices—Skip the chips. Walk on by the sugary snacks. Healthy snacks give you good energy, especially a combination of foods. Try two or more of grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy and protein. Raw vegetables with low-fat cottage cheese or hummus, or nut or seed butter with an apple or banana are excellent choices.
- Work with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)—An RDN can help you lose weight, or lower your health risks, or manage a chronic disease. RDNs give you sound, easy-to-follow advice that’s personalized. And it’s great to have their encouragement!
- Drink more water—It’s better to quench your thirst with water than drinks with added sugars. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, especially as the weather warms and if you become active in the seasonal change.
- Reduce added sugars—Here’s the problem with foods and drinks with added sugars: They give you empty calories and have little or no nutrition. Check out the new and improved nutrition facts label or ingredients list to identify sources of added sugars.
- Explore new foods and flavors—Expanding your range of food choices adds more nutrition and eating pleasure. In the spirit of the theme of great flavors for National Nutrition Month®, try new fruits and vegetables or whole grains or nuts.
Get To Know Bellaire At Stone Port
At Bellaire at Stone Port, we know that choosing the right community for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility. Touring communities and asking questions can be taxing.
Let us make the experience enjoyable for you! We invite you to schedule a visit and come out to experience the Stone Port difference for yourself.