The Top 4 Foods That Seniors Should Incorporate into the Diets

Updated on May 20, 2020
Kelsey Simpson copy

By Kelsey Simpson

It’s crucial that people of all ages make it a point to eat healthily. In the age of fast food and convenience, it’s easy for people to push healthy eating to the back burner and to eat whatever is quickest and easiest. However, these poor eating habits have copious negative side effects; from weight gain to heart disease, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. Poor eating habits can create lifelong issues that impact the quality of one’s life and could ultimately cut it short.

While some people choose poor eating habits, others simply may not know any better. Similarly, some people may be accepting of their poor eating habits, while others want to change so that they can live a longer and healthier life; this is practically common for seniors.

What Are Some Food That Seniors Should Add to Their Diets?

Seniors that want to improve their quality of life by adopting healthier eating habits may not know where to begin or what kind of food they should incorporate into their life. An expert from a senior living community in NJ pointed out that seniors often want to start to eat healthier in their elderly years to live longer and feel better. If this sounds familiar to you, this post will detail the top 4 foods that you as a senior should add to your diet in order to practice a healthier lifestyle. 

Incorporate Organic Meats and Fish

Most people don’t have a hard time incorporating meat and fish into their diet; however many people do have a hard time incorporating organic meats and fish into their diet. It’s important to eat organic because the quality of the meat and fish will be better and will be void of additives, preservatives, chemicals, and antibiotics. Eating organically isn’t challenging, nor is it costly. Eating organically also means avoiding processed meats and fish, perhaps found at fast-food restaurants.

It’s important for seniors to consume the proper amount of protein in order to preserve muscle and to remain healthy; organic meats and fish are an easy way to make sure that you are getting your protein. To find out the exact amount of protein you should be getting, do some research, there are various websites that take into account your gender, weight, height, and pre-existing conditions to determine the amount of protein you should eat per day. 

Add Healthy Fats 

Healthy fats are important for one’s overall health as it can lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and can improve brain function; all important qualities when it comes to seniors. Some healthy fats that seniors should consider include:

  • Chia Seeds
  • Fully Fat Greek Yogurt
  • Avocados
  • Fatty fish such as salmon and trout

Make it a point to find healthy fat food that you enjoy and begin adding them to your diet. Make sure to avoid trans fat as well as saturated fats as these can actually increase cholesterol and blood sugar. 

Make Sure to Eat Organic Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are crucial in anyone’s diet; however organic fruits and vegetables will provide more health benefits, especially for seniors. Organic fruits and vegetables, like organic meat and fish, will be void of chemicals and any other kind of additive that is not beneficial to the human body. Some fruits and vegetables that are especially great for seniors include:

  • Strawberries
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Spinach 
  • Sweet Potatoes 

Add Seeds to Your Meals

Seeds are a simple and easy food for seniors to add to their meals and have fantastic benefits, including:

  • High in fiber
  • High in protein
  • Can lower cholesterol 
  • Prevent heart disease
  • Good source of fat

Seniors can add seeds to almost any meal, they can sprinkle them on their fruits and vegetables, eat them in their yogurt, or add them to the side of their meat. Some seeds that seniors should consume include:

  • Sunflower seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Flax seeds
  • Hemp seeds
  • Sesame seeds

Prolong and Improve Your Life By Eating Right

Eating is a form of medicine, and the cliche that “you are what you eat,” is very true. If you want to prolong and improve your life, it’s imperative that you eat right and eat things that will only benefit your body rather than harm it. Use this guide as a starting point to living a healthier lifestyle; if you need further assistance, consider talking to a nutritionist or a doctor to learn more about making the switch to a healthier diet. 

About the Author

Kelsey Simpson enjoys writing about things that can help others. She lives in South Jersey and is the proud companion to two German Shepherds and spends her free time volunteering in dog shelters.

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Senior Outlook Today is your go-to source for information, inspiration, and connection as you navigate the later years of life. Our team of experts and writers is dedicated to providing relevant and engaging content for seniors, covering topics such as health and wellness, finances, technology and travel.