Choose Nutrition

Choosing the right foods to eat is not always easy.  As a society our daily intake of food has increased, and people are eating more convenient foods and snack foods. Senior citizens run the risk of increased chronic diseases due to unbalanced diets, or food choices.  Because our activity level and lifestyles change as we age; our diets must change to keep our bodies balanced. 

To maintain body weight and adequate nutrition there should be an increase in complex carbohydrates and fiber; and a decrease in sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol.  It is important to get the proper amount of daily nutrients.  Seniors can choose from a variety of healthy foods from each of the five food groups.  Nearly all nutrition experts suggest including the following daily intake for a healthy, nutritious diet:

-Four or more servings of fruits and vegetables.
-Substitute whole grain breads and cereals for white breads and cereals.
-Low-fat milk and cheeses instead of whole milk and cheese.
-Four to five ounces of lean meat, poultry or fish daily.  Use chicken and fish more often.
-Three or four eggs a week.
-Reduce consumption of sugars and fats.
-Reduce intake of salt and heavy salt products
-Reduce intake of salt-and smoke-cured meats or charbroiled meats.
-Drink plenty of water daily.

Try eating five or six small meals a day as an effective way to maintain a well balanced diet.  Eating five low calorie meals a day trains your body to digest the food easier and quicker.