Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated.
Before you eat, think about what goes on your plate or in your bowl. 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.
Here are some guidelines from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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 low-sugar, 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 everyday 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.
Enjoy your food but eat less.
Most older adults need fewer calories than in younger years. Avoid oversized portions. Try using a smaller plate, bowl, and glass.
Cook more often at home, where you are in control of what’s on your food.
When eating out, choose lower calorie menu options. Choose dishes that include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. When portions are large, share a meal or take half home for later.
Write down what you eat to keep track of how much you eat.