30 Mar Four Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors
With so many different diets to choose from, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Healthy eating habits are important at any stage in life. However, as we age practicing healthy eating habits becomes even more important. Here are four healthy eating tips to help you make informed decisions that will keep you feeling healthy.
- Make fruits and vegetable the star of your plate
Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals that may help to prevent poor health and disease. Adding fruits and vegetables to create a vibrant plate adds life to your meals. Start your shopping trip at the produce department or visit a local fruit stand.
For some seniors it can be more challenging to consume fruits and vegetables due to dental loss, or difficulty chopping or prepping fresh produce. Juicing is a great option in either of these cases. Another helpful way to get more fresh food into your life is taking advantage of meals offered at your retirement community. Garden Plaza of Valley View offers balanced meals to residents, saving prep time and making healthy eating effortless.
- Stay hydrated
As we age the urgency to drink water decreases as our bodies internal thirst sensor becomes less timely. This puts seniors at greater risk for dehydration. Conditions such as hypertension can become worse due to dehydration.
Luckily, it is easy to increase hydration. Drinking more water is the main way to stay hydrated. Purchasing a water bottle with ounce measurements is a great way to regulate your water consumption. Another way to get more water is by consuming water heavy fruits and vegetables, as well as broth-based soups.
- Protein Power
Older adults tend to eat less calories, which can make it more challenging to get enough protein. As we age consuming adequate levels of protein becomes more important than ever. Protein helps keep muscles strong, maintaining balance and mobility as we age.
Adding more legumes, low fat dairy products, eggs, and lean meats to your diet can boost your protein intake. Finding ways to incorporate these elements into your diet is tasty and healthy.
- Be Aware of Medication Interactions
Remember that just because a food is healthy doesn’t mean its right for everyone. There are some common foods that interact negatively with medications. Always make sure to consult your doctor when starting a new medication. Here are some common interactions that may occur.
- Citrus, specifically grapefruit, may have negative interactions with some medications.
- Cured meats/seafood and alcohol may have negative interaction with antidepressants.
- Medications for Gout require minimal consumption of alcohol and increased water intake.
These are just some of the ways that you can incorporate healthy eating habits into your life. If you have any additional questions about what diet works best for you, we recommend speaking with a healthcare professional.