While it’s important for all ages to maintain proper nutrition, seniors especially need to practice good diet habits to stay healthy.
As our bodies age, our nutritional needs change over time. We might even need additional sources of vitamins and protein to keep our bodies functioning at their fullest potential. However, eating nutritionally-sound meals and practicing healthy habits can be a daunting task for seniors.
If you are struggling finding ways to get the right nutrition for seniors, we’re going to share our top four tips for keeping a balanced, healthy diet.
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Snack Wisely
It’s easy for seniors to reach for processed, packaged snacks full of sugar and fat. They’re cheap, easy to eat, and they taste delicious, but you should remember to snack wisely.
When you are grocery shopping, choose snacks that are packed with nutrients. Older bodies don’t need as many calories anymore, but instead, need vitamins. Try grabbing one of the following instead of a carb-heavy, non-nutritious snack:
- Apples
- Oranges
- Oatmeal
- Nuts and Seeds
- Bananas
- Celery
Fruits, vegetables, and other nutritional snacks won’t only keep you full and satisfied for longer, but they’ll help your health out in the end. So, snack away!
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Drink More Liquids
Believe it or not, your sense of thirst diminishes as you age. To keep your body hydrated with the fluid it needs, always remember to keep a water bottle with you. It will encourage you to consume more water throughout the day, ensuring that you don’t get dehydrated without even realizing it.
If you want to learn more about senior wellness and how to enjoy your older years, check out our wellness programs.
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Read Labels
Those nutritional labels aren’t just to satisfy the government, you can learn a lot from them too!
Before you purchase or consume packaged food, glance over the nutritional label to see if the product is worth putting in your body. Some foods, while advertised as healthy, are actually packed with fat and sodium. Keep your eyes peeled and don’t let yourself be deceived.
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Choose Good Fats
It isn’t recommended for seniors to cut all fats out of their diet. Instead, you should choose healthy fats that are found in many common foods. These healthy fats actually work to protect your body against disease.
Here are a few foods packed with “good” fat:
- Avocado
- Nuts
- Olive oil
- Fish
These foods are just a few that are filled with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These kinds of fats also promote good mental health and overall well-being.
Know the Importance of Good Nutrition for Seniors
As a senior citizen, it’s more crucial than ever to stay healthy by maintaining a clean, balanced diet. By doing so, you’re giving your body the nutrition it needs to stay strong, healthy, and fully functioning. Now that you’re aware of these four tips about nutrition for seniors, you can take them into account during your day-to-day life.
Are you interested in learning more about how assisted living could benefit you or a loved one? Don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more.
