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Nutrition
Overview
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5-A-Day
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Healthy Recipes
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Myths of healthy eating
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Portion Size
It
is well known that many children eat poorly, replacing
milk with soda and trading their sandwiches for candy
at school. But many older adults eat poorly as well
– for a variety of reasons. These reasons include
long-term bad habits, sometimes poverty, dental
problems, and often lack of knowledge about
nutritional requirements of aging.
A balanced diet is important for everyone, including
older adults. A good start is to get rid of
non-nutritious items such as refined sugar, fried
foods, caffeine, hydrogenated fats, and excessive
alcohol. Eat a variety of fresh fruits, fresh
vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Drink at least
two quarts of water each day (unless your doctor has
told you to watch your fluids).
The best way to get the nutrients you need is through
balanced nutritious meals every day, not through
expensive supplements that you may not need.
Some
older adults are on restricted diets because of
certain health conditions. If your doctor or health
professional has asked you to eat or avoid certain
foods or fluids because of a medical condition, please
follow his or her advice.
What
is your nutritional health?
Use the Nutrition
Screening Tool (PDF) to find out!
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