March is National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month and the Greater Naples YMCA wants you, your family and your children to eat healthy!
We all know that a balanced diet, along with healthy living habits and exercise can and will contribute to a better life – and here are a few tips that will go a long way to help you do just that:

Drink plenty of liquids
With age, you may lose some of your sense of thirst. Drink water often. Lowfat or fat-free milk or 100% juice also helps you stay hydrated. Limit beverages that have lots of added sugars or salt. Learn which liquids are better choices.

Make eating a social event
Meals are more enjoyable when you eat with others. Invite a friend to join you or take part in a potluck at least twice a week. A senior center or place of worship may offer meals that are shared with others. There are many ways to make mealtimes pleasing.

Plan healthy meals
Find trusted nutrition information from ChooseMyPlate.gov and the National Institute on Aging. Get advice on what to eat, how much to eat, and which foods to choose, all based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Find sensible, flexible ways to choose and prepare tasty meals so you can eat foods you need. Learn to recognize how much to eat so you can control portion size. When eating out, pack part of your meal to eat later. One restaurant dish might be enough for two meals or more.

Vary your vegetables
Include a variety of different colored vegetables to brighten your plate. Most vegetables are a low-calorie source of nutrients. Vegetables are also a good source of fiber.

Eat for your teeth and gums
Many people find that their teeth and gums change as they age. People with dental problems sometimes find it hard to chew fruits, vegetables, or meats. Don’t miss out on needed nutrients! Eating softer foods can help. Try cooked or canned foods like unsweetened fruit, low-sodium soups, or canned tuna.

Use herbs and spices
Foods may seem to lose their flavor as you age. If favorite dishes taste different, it may not be the cook! Maybe your sense of smell, sense of taste, or both has changed. Medicines may also change how foods taste. Add flavor to your meals with herbs and spices.

Keep food safe
Don’t take a chance with your health. A food-related illness can be life threatening for an older person. Throw out food that might not be safe. Avoid certain foods that are always risky for an older person, such as unpasteurized dairy foods. Other foods can be harmful to you when they are raw or undercooked, such as eggs, sprouts, fish, shellfish, meat, or poultry.

Read the Nutrition Facts label
Make the right choices when buying food. Pay attention to important nutrients to know as well as calories, fats, sodium, and the rest of the Nutrition Facts label. Ask your doctor if there are ingredients and nutrients you might need to limit or to increase.

Ask your doctor about vitamins or supplements
Food is the best way to get nutrients you need. Should you take vitamins or other pills or powders with herbs and minerals? These are called dietary supplements. Your doctor will know if you need them. More may not be better. Some can interfere with your medicines or affect your medical conditions.

Cooking with young children
Cooking with your children can be a lot of fun – and a way of reinforcing good eating habits early in their lives:

1.Decide on the area of the kitchen where you will be cooking.

2. Gather stools or chairs that will allow your child to stand or sit comfortably while working.

3. Wash hands.

4. Get out the recipe you will be using.

5. Read the recipe with your child. Explain that you will be following the steps in the recipe to prepare the food.

6. Set out the equipment and supplies that you will need (such as a mixer, blender, bowls, pans, measuring cups, knives, and spoons) as well as the ingredients that you will be using.

7. Have your child participate in cooking activities (such as washing fruits and vegetables, adding ingredients, mixing ingredients, and kneading dough).

8. Clean up with your child.

9. Eat what you have prepared.

Greater Naples YMCA  |  5450 YMCA Road, Naples, FL 34109  |  (239) 597-3148

For great information on eating healthier, visit http://www.nutrition.gov.