To protect and maintain our health, it’s important we maintain a healthy and balanced diet as we age. Our food choices affect more than just our clothes size, they help promote our overall well-being and keep us active and enjoying life. Learn the key benefits of a healthy diet for seniors and easy ways to get started.
Why What We Eat Matters
The classic saying is true: “You are what you eat.” What we put into our bodies can have lasting effects on our health. That’s why it’s important to make informed decisions about what we eat. What you choose to eat can help improve:
- Immune function to fight off illnesses, with nutrients like vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc. Craft your diet around fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Mental acuity, reducing the risk of memory loss. Choose foods containing vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, such as fatty fish, nuts and seeds, and vegetables like broccoli and spinach.
- Digestive function, by eating high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
- Bone and teeth strength, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Select foods high in calcium and Vitamin D, like milk and dairy products and leafy greens.
How to Make Healthy Choices
Lifestyle changes can be hard, and too many changes at once can feel daunting or overwhelming. Start with small, manageable changes to your eating habits. Remember: it’s the journey, not the destination. Here are some easy ways to get started:
- Plan out your meals to help maintain a balance in your diet between protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. To start, try adding one serving of vegetables to every meal, or switching from refined to whole grains.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day by keeping a water bottle on hand, and remember to drink more when it’s hot out.
- Eat together to make more conscious decisions. While eating with friends can present situations with peer pressure (it’s hard to say no to dessert when everyone is ordering it) dining together can encourage you to slow down, keep a regular food schedule, and pay closer attention to what you’re eating.
How Senior Living Communities Can Help You Eat Healthy
Senior living communities help promote healthy and mindful eating in many ways. Meals are a cornerstone for interaction with friends and other residents, with dining experiences specifically designed to turn mealtimes into fun social gatherings.
Having a number of dining options readily available also makes it easier to make healthy choices, with each choice providing a different atmosphere while still catering to a diverse range of nutritional and dietary needs.
At Moldaw, choose from a wide array of rotating menus throughout the day, all planned and prepared to be both delicious and nutritious. Explore Moldaw’s selection of fine dining offerings here.
Contact us to learn more about our offerings and services.
