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.