Achieve your New Year's resolution to eat healthy

Posted on December 11, 2008

(NC)-Once winter arrives, many people tend to go into hibernation mode: high caloric comfort foods are what we crave and we certainly get our share of rich food during the holiday period. However, for many seniors, these same delicious foods can come with a high fat and salt content that can affect their health and quickly derail any New Year's resolutions to eat healthy.

"Regardless of when you start, healthy eating can help you maintain and improve your health," says Rob Huppée, Vice President, Fitness, Recreation and Nutrition, Origin Evergreen retirement community in Mississauga, Ontario. "Adults over the age of 70, have unique dietary needs. They require fewer calories, yet their need for essential nutrients stays the same and in some cases even goes up; older adults need more calcium, folate, vitamin D and B6" This can prove to be a challenge for some seniors and it's especially true during the winter months when we may be naturally inclined to eat calorie-rich foods."

Huppée offers the following healthy eating tips for seniors.

• Eat nutrient-dense foods such as whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, legumes, fish, poultry or lean meats
• Don't forget the fiber—not only are whole grained breads and cereals, legumes, and many fruits and vegetables nutrient dense, but also great sources of fiber to keep you regular
• Don't skimp on flavour: replace salt with herbs and spices
• Forgo heavy creams and butter for low-fat milk and cheeses and non-hydrogenated vegetable oils
• Lean cuts of meat, such as chicken breast, pork loin are low in fat
• Fish, such as salmon or trout, offer Omega-3 and healthy fats and are an excellent source of protein
• Choose your fluids wisely: regular soft drinks, fruit juices and alcohol are high in calories. As thirst is a poor indicator of hydration, striving to drink eight glasses of water a day will keep you well hydrated during dry winter months

"Healthy eating combined with physical and mental exercise can mean the difference between an independent mobile senior and one who is dependent on others," says Huppée. "Living in a retirement community such as Origin Evergreen is hugely beneficial for diet and overall health and well-being. Not only do you have many amenities, the Swing fitness programs, Mental Fitness programs and Social activities, but also a dedicated team of food and nutrition specialists that work together to assist in the development of the nutritionally sound gourmet menus for the community's Harvest Dining Room."

Courtesy News Canada

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