Everyone is Encouraged to ‘Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle’ Including Seniors
“Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle” is the theme for National Nutrition Month 2015. This year’s theme encourages people to adopt a healthy lifestyle that is focused on consuming fewer calories, making informed food choices and getting daily exercise. We understand the importance of offering well-balanced, nutritional meals/snacks and promoting exercise to its residents on a daily basis to achieve a healthy senior lifestyle.
It is our goal is to serve nutritious meals and snacks that are not only delicious but also of course healthy by consistently incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy. In addition, we fully see the benefits of exercise for our residents and encourage them to be as physically active as possible each and every day.
During the month of March, we are encouraging all seniors to celebrate National Nutrition Month by taking a good look their food choices. A healthy diet filled with important nutrients can help stave off potential health problems that are common in senior citizens, like heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. One way to do this, is to focus on healthy snacks. Contrary to their reputation, chosen carefully, and planned ahead, sensible snacks can be part of any healthful eating plan.
For older adults with smaller appetites or limited energy, several small meals including snacks may be easier for their bodies to handle. Also, snacks can prevent overeating at mealtimes and throughout the day. Snacks especially offer a great way to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole-grains and low-fat dairy.
During National Nutrition Month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers smart snacking ideas that help seniors and anyone “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle.”
- Plan your snacks. Keep a variety of tasty, nutrient-rich, ready-to-eat foods nearby, for when you need a bite to take the edge off hunger. Then, you won’t be so tempted by less-healthy options from vending machines, convenience stores or the contents of your own kitchen. Snack ideas include fresh fruit, air-popped popcorn, whole-wheat crackers, dried fruit and nut mixes, almonds and fat-free yogurt.
- Make snack calories count. Snack on foods that fill the nutrient gaps in your day’s eating plan. Think of snacks as mini-meals to help you eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy – foods we often don’t eat enough.
- Go easy on high-calorie snacks such as chips, candy and soft drinks. They often contain solid fats and added sugars. Make these occasional choices that fit your day’s plan.
- Snack when you’re hungry – not because you’re bored, stressed or frustrated. Exercise can actually be a great way to feed those emotional urges.
- Snack on sensible portions. Choose single-serve containers, or put a small helping in a bowl rather than eating directly from the package.
- Quench your thirst. Water, low-fat or fat-free milk and 100-percent juice are just a few options. Flavored waters might be high in added sugars, so check the label.
Making the right food and nutrition choices is a necessary part of biting into a healthy lifestyle. More information is available at www.eatright.org.
At our community we will be reminding ourselves to “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle” by keeping our minds and body healthy as we enjoy the many festivities the month brings, including Saint Patrick’s Day, the first day of Spring and a little March Madness!
