What is the Best Diet for 65 and Older?

What’s the best diet for older Americans? Well, what’s the best diet for anyone? Aren’t they the same? There are so many ways we enjoy meals, but aging can come with some inconveniences like new allergies or other medical conditions that cause you to write love letters to that porterhouse you used to love. 

What Is the Healthiest Diet for Seniors?

The healthiest diet for seniors includes lean cuts of poultry and fish in a portion that is about the size of a deck of cards. Plenty of fruits and veg help, too! If you don’t want to eat your carrot sticks without ranch dressing, consider using a bit of spice or salsa! Salsa is one of the healthiest dips there is. And you don’t want to make your diet so boring, you lose the enjoyment of eating either. 

Eat the Rainbow

Rather than making smoothies, enjoy the mouthfeel of your favorite fruits. Grapes, apples, strawberries, are some of the best fruit that also contains water, too. Unless you’re on fluid restriction, being hydrated means drinking both water and water-rich foods. 

If you’re craving something savory, sautee some green, orange, and yellow peppers in a bit of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and top with red pepper flakes. That’s a great side for your roasted chicken breast. Fingerling potatoes in various colors are another way to control your portions while adding nutrients, too! 

Keep Portions in Proportion

The American Heart Association has recommended portion sizes for your age and weight. If you start Googling “what is the best diet for 65 and older” you may see some articles that are pretty patronizing to the 55+ crowd. We’re sorry about that. There are plenty of apps that help with portion control including Noom, which is an entire course on nutrition! So use that smartphone!

Don’t Forget The Fat

Just because you qualify for a senior discount doesn’t mean you have to eat a no-fat diet. Keep healthy fats that come from nuts, seeds, and fruit like avocado. Avocado is a great substitute for the mouth-feel of cheese if you've become lactose intolerant. There’s a reason why the kids are eating avocado toast. It’s so good. 

Take Your Diet One Meal at a Time

Drastic changes don’t work, so don’t stress out. Think about one meal this week where you can make one change. Can you eat half of the chicken breast and save the other half for tomorrow’s lunch? Can you eat a salad instead of fries? Tomatoes instead of hash browns? You can do it. 

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