Seniors often wonder if they’re getting enough nutrition and are eating the right types of foods which will keep them healthy and at a desired weight. Seniors do need to eat differently than others because it’s so important to eat for mental acuity and energy levels. The diet that works best for seniors is definitely The Mediterranean Diet.
Cooking for one or two can also be a challenge, but cooking Mediterranean-style can reduce waste and also provide the good nutrition quotient in anyone. The diet, when paired with exercise can increase mental acuity, energy levels, help resist diseases and keep you at a healthy weight.
The Mediterranean diet plan is rich in fiber, which is known to help seniors with digestive issues. Vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains and fruits are all part of this highly nutritious diet – plus foods on the plan also contain minerals, vitamins and produce enzymes that aid in the digestive process.
Meats are used more as a side-dish in the Med-style diet, which features the unique textures, colors and flavors in other foods as the main stars of a typical meal. Greek yogurt is used in many dishes and is rich in Vitamin D and calcium. It also contains more than twice the protein of other styles of yogurt. Lean meats such as lean beef or sirloin may be added to the meal periodically.
The Med-diet recommends eating fish a couple of times per week – especially the fatty type such as salmon (also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which lower the risk of heart disease and keeps blood pressure down).
One practical reason that the Med-style diet is so easy for seniors is that most of the foods are in the frozen food section. That means you can purchase them in bags – making it easy to take out what you need and store the rest, keeping waste down. You can also add veggies and fruits to stews and soups or combine them with rice and pasta.
It’s also easy to stick to a Med-style diet by shopping the deli and salad sections of your supermarket. Small amounts maybe purchased and you don?t have to worry about wasting food or money.
You may not be able to walk to open-air food markets as you can in the sunny climate of the Mediterranean – especially during the winter months. Check out your supermarket’s delivery service and if they have some special services for seniors. Many have begun these programs to help shut-ins get the types of nutritional foods needed to maintain optimal health.
Scientific studies indicate that the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest in the world because of its propensity to lower the risk of chronic diseases and increase longevity. Those who adhere to the Med-diet also enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle.
