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Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating Ageing well is about quality of life. We are what we eat is true at any age, particularly as we get older.

Of course it is important to enjoy your food and remember that variety is the spice of life. A balanced diet should include correct proportions of different food groups.

The best way to do is to follow the food pyramid.

Did you know that three-quarters (75%) of the salt we eat is already in the food we buy, such as soups, sauces, and ready meals.

Eating too much salt can raise you blood pressure, and people with high blood pressure are three times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke

Food from grains such as bread, cereal, rice and pasta are the foundation of a healthy diet.

Wholegrain food such as whole wheat bread and oatmeal are higher in nutrients and dietary fibre

Foods containing
Folic acid

These help maintain good health in older age. Good sources are green vegetables and brown rice, as well as bread and breakfast cereals with added vitamins.

Food Pyramid

You may be eating less because you are finding it more difficult to buy and prepare food, or you may finding it harder to get around if you have conditions such as arthritis.

You may be able to get help with these sorts of problems via your G. P. or Social Services.

Aim for two portions of fish a week, including a portion of oily fish. You can choose from fresh, frozen or canned.

Most people know we should be eating more fruit and vegetables (5 portions per day) For example you could have
• A glass of juice and a banana with your cereal at breakfast
• A side salad with lunch
• A pear as an afternoon snack
• A portion of peas or other veg with your evening meal

You can choose from fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or juiced .

Dehydration can make people feel drowsy or confused, it is important to drink, even if this means extra trips to the toilet.
Older people are not as sensitive to the feeling of thirst. Fluid intake does not just mean water it can also include tea, coffee, fruit juice, and squash, aim for 6 to 8 glasses/cups per day

No food contains all you need to stay healthy. So the golden rule is to eat variety of foods each day.

Healthy eating does not mean cutting out food you enjoy but you might do well to eat some foods less often and/or in smaller portions