Eating for Better Health

What and how we eat is one of the most important things we do every day. Yet, taking the relationship between food and the human body for granted is far too easy. Unfortunately, how and what we consume has a habit of catching up to us—there’s a reason for the famous saying, “You are what you eat,” after all. On the bright side, it is never too late to alter our eating habits for the better.

Sandy Chen, MS, RDN, a dietitian for Welbe Health, recommends a balanced diet for everyone, regardless of age. However, she cautions that most elderly folks must focus on different aspects than the average adult. For instance, older people must be more mindful of their calcium and vitamin D intake as they tend to have a lower absorption rate than the average adult.

But you likely already knew that. What Sandy wants to emphasize to seniors is threefold: first, follow the MIND diet; second, try meal prepping; and third, consult a dietitian or other expert about your individual health.

The MIND diet focuses on eating berries, beans, nuts, vegetables, and lean meats. It combines portions of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which have been recommended for overall health and cognition for decades. Research indicates that the MIND diet is especially beneficial for the 60-plus age group, as members may experience cognitive decline.

Meal prepping may sound challenging, but Sandy encourages it. “Prepare something basic you can eat for a few days and reinvent each meal,” she suggests. For instance, cook a large portion of chicken, then use it to create a salad one day, a stew the next, and so on. Buying in bulk is cheaper, so meal prepping can save time and money. Additionally, look into and “make use of community resources,” such as meal prep and delivery services in your area.

Everyone is unique and may have chronic ailments or other issues affecting their diet. While it would be wonderful to receive actionable and practical health advice from a newspaper article alone, a generic diet or nutritional template just won’t cut it for most people. Visiting a dietitian who can consider your specific needs when developing a diet plan is essential. Sandy suggests that if you do one thing for your health, head to a medical professional for a tailored assessment.

Many things affect what we eat beyond our cravings—mobility, budget, geography, and more impact what foods we can access. By remaining mindful of the body’s needs and taking advantage of available resources, it is possible to pinpoint the best diet for each individual.