March is National Nutrition Month, as designated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and at Great Care we know there’s no time like the present for seniors and caregivers to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits.

This theme for National Nutrition Month in 2015 is “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle,” which is focuses on the importance of consuming fewer calories, making informed food choices and getting daily exercise in order to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease and promote overall health.

“Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated. Before you eat, think about what goes on your plate or in your bowl, ” says the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, in its Food, Nutrition and Health Tips. “Choose foods that provide the nutrients you need without too many calories. Build your healthy plate with foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein foods.”

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests a diet full of fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice, and calcium and vitamin D to help keep bones healthy. Suggestions include:

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green, red and orange vegetables plus beans and peas. Fresh, frozen and canned vegetables all count. Choose “reduced sodium” or “no-salt-added” canned vegetables. Add fruit to meals and snacks. Buy fruits that are dried, frozen or canned in water or 100% juice, as well as fresh fruits. Make at least half your grains whole.
• Choose 100% whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice. Also, look for fiber-rich cereals to help stay regular.
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Older adults need more calcium and vitamin D to help keep bones healthy. Include three servings of fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese each day. If you are lactose intolerant, try lactose-free milk or a calcium-fortified soy beverage.
• Vary your protein choices. Eat a variety of foods from the protein food group each week, such as seafood, nuts, and beans and peas, as well as lean meat, poultry and eggs.
• Cut back on sodium and empty calories from solid fats and added sugars. Look out for salt (sodium) in foods you buy. Compare sodium in foods and choose those with lower numbers. Add spices or herbs to season food without adding salt. Make major sources of saturated fats such as desserts, pizza, cheese, sausages and hot dogs occasional choices, not every day foods. Switch from solid fats to oils when preparing food.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks. Select fruit for dessert. Eat sugary desserts less often.

For our elderly clients with special dietary needs, Great Care’s home health aids and certified nurse aids can help families stay on track and follow these healthy guidelines suggested by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. If needed, a registered dietitian nutritionist can help create a customized eating plan for your parents or loved ones. Visit www.eatright.org to find a registered dietitian nutritionist in and around the Indianapolis area.

“Our home health aids and certified nurse aids can have a positive impact on helping your elderly parents or loved ones make healthy nutrition, exercise and lifestyle decisions,” says Great Care Founder and CEO Julie Sullivan. “Along with companionship, we can assist with daily activities including meal preparation and grocery shopping, as well as medications, safety supervision, errands and more.”

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.