Proper nutrition is important at any age, but do the requirements change as we get older? The following tips can help you make the most of your health, today and tomorrow.
1. Rely on Canada’s Food Guide
The guide that many of us first turn to when learning how and what to feed our young children still holds up well for seniors. The organization Dieticians of Canada recommends following the guide and also provides twelve detailed fact sheets about healthy eating for seniors. They are available online.
2. Learn how to read nutrition labels
Careful reading of nutrition labels is essential. What you think may be a healthy food may not actually be. Serving sizes could be completely unrealistic, calorie counts could be too high or the manufacturer may make nutritional claims on the packaging that the label itself just does not support. An informed consumer can accurately assess any nutritional claims for himself.
3. Increase your intake of these nutrients
Powerhouse nutrients include fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron. If you’re buying packaged foods, look for ones that offer a high percentage daily value of these nutrients.
Aim for less fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium. Look for foods with a low percentage daily value of these items on the label, especially if you are at risk for heart disease or diabetes.
At Cedarvale Lodge in Georgina, they take a holistic approach to wellness and nutrition, promoting a healthy lifestyle through mind, body and spirit. They offer daily chef’s specials in addition to regular menu items. They also use a heart-healthy symbol to indicate which meal options represent the healthier choice.
If you are looking into a retirement community, either for yourself or a loved one, make sure to inquire about the health of the meals that are provided. Look for a variety of options, heart-healthy meals and the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Often you can visit the kitchen and talk to the chef.
For more information, visit Cedarvale Lodge online at www.specialty-care.com or call 905-476-2656.