It is important for everyone to follow healthy eating habits, but this is especially the case for senior citizens. A healthy diet promotes healthy aging. Of course, natural health remedies are always better than alternatives, such as supplements and medicine.
Seniors will lose their appetite as they age, which makes it more important to follow healthy eating tips. A healthy diet can give seniors more energy, help fend away such things as sickness and lethargy, promote quicker recoveries from injuries, and keep their bowel movements more regular.
9 Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors
Eat fruits and vegetables
Eating fruits and veggies is important for seniors, as they give fiber, are vitamin rich, mineral rich, and have natural antioxidants. Fruits and veggies are great not only with meals, but as snacks too.
Eat foods that are high in fiber
Foods that are high in fiber can help keep seniors regular and keep weight under control. Another key advantage is that they can lower the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Beans, veggies, whole grain bread, healthy cereals, and fruits are great sources of fiber.
Eat foods high in calcium
Bones become brittle with age and calcium can help fight this. Calcium rich foods are also packed with Vitamin D. Many fat free or low fat dairy products are loaded with calcium and if a senior is lactose intolerant there are many other types of food that are rich in calcium such as green veggies, soy based drinks, and orange juice that is fortified with calcium. There are supplements for calcium and while they are safe, for the most part, it is always better to get it naturally.
Lean meat is the way to go
Lean meat such as turkey, boneless skinless chicken, fish, and lean beef are great choices as they are lower in fat and calories, as well as cholesterol.
Not all fat is bad
There are healthier fats that should be in the diet such as canola oil, olive oil, and trans-fat-free margarine. Avoid slathering everything with butter, as that is definitely a no-no.
Eat foods with vitamin B12
Foods that are high in vitamin B12 are healthy breakfast cereals, eggs, lean meat, and fortified foods. There are Vitamin B12 supplements, but like with any other supplement, a person should consult a physician or health care provider before they take it.
Stay hydrated in the right way
Staying hydrated is very important for seniors, as by not doing so can lead to such things as constipation. Water is obviously good to drink as is low fat milk, juice, tea, and even decaf coffee. Drinks that are loaded with sugar are not healthy and this goes for sports drinks that even advertise they help dehydration.
Choose the right snacks
Eat healthier foods when snacking such as fruit, nuts, crackers, and veggies instead of chips, candy, or cakes. These things are good in moderation, but should not always be eaten when snacking.
Check salt intake
By having a diet that has the right amount of salt intake, it can keep high blood pressure at bay.
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Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
My name id Lillie Todd,age 94.I have no health problrms. Staying healthy is very important to me. I get meals on wheales (frozen dinners). They are not only healthy but good. I drink several kinds of fruit juice daily,always some orange. I weighed 135 30 years ago still weigh 135, 5.8. was t I have retnitous degeneration and macular degeneration. I was tolf I would go blind. Major oil co. retired me in 1979 because of my eyes. Have been able to get drivers license until recently. Juit driving,can still see at a far distance but side cision not good. Live alone and do everything for myself. I am truly blessed. Thank you for every thing you are doing for people like me.