Meal planning can be a stressful activity for many people, especially if their changing health means they need to learn a new way to eat! For seniors, their body and appetite are changing from what they are used to, making it harder for them to eat enough of the nutrients they need in order to thrive as they age. What can you or your loved one do to adjust your diet as you age? Check out our 6 Tips for a Senior-Friendly Meal Plan, and talk to a dietitian or healthcare professional if you get stuck!<\/p>\n
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The easiest way to get the nutrients you need is to build a plate with fruits and vegetables of all different colors. The different colors represent vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and give you a more well-rounded boost! Some good ideas for your colorful meal include:<\/p>\n
These foods are high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin D, which are three of the most important dietary factors for healthy aging! (NCOA)<\/p>\n
Did you know that many seniors lose their sense of thirst as they age? Dehydration is a major cause of hospitalization for seniors, so make sure you drink water even if you\u2019re not thirsty. Water helps your body to repair damaged cells, gives you more energy, and keeps your brain and digestive system in check. You can also try tea or foods with high water content!<\/p>\n
Most seniors aren\u2019t as active as they used to be, so there\u2019s a good chance that they do not need as many calories as before. According to health.gov, the average sedentary senior needs 200-800 fewer calories than adults in other age groups. So what can you do if you\u2019ve lost your appetite or aren\u2019t sure when to eat and how much? Try breaking your larger meals into smaller meals throughout the day. That way, you\u2019ll have enough energy, but won\u2019t upset your stomach or overeat as easily. If you\u2019re not very hungry, try a small healthy snack or a liquid-based dietary supplement to get what you need!<\/p>\n
It can be tempting to grab for the cookie jar or pint of ice cream, but especially as we age, it\u2019s important for most of our diet to consist of whole foods. Whole foods are foods from nature that have few added ingredients or preservatives. These can include lean meats and proteins, fruits and vegetables, eggs, whole grains, and nuts and legumes. A good rule of thumb for finding whole foods at the grocery stores is to look in the \u201cfresh\u201d sections, usually around the perimeter of the store.<\/p>\n
Vitamins and fiber are two of the most crucial things to consider in a senior-friendly meal plan! Vitamins protect seniors\u2019 immune systems, while fiber aids in digestion. To keep your body healthy and functioning as well as possible, try foods with the following vitamins and properties:<\/p>\n