Seniors Dieting Guidelines

Nutrition experts not only consider weight loss but also attempt to ensure that the diet is heart healthy, controls diabetes and is easy to follow.

One of the key considerations is weight. This obviously applies to both seniors and younger people. As people age their calorie intake needs to reduce too. Older people are not going to burn as many calories as younger people therefore they should take in fewer calories too. Food is fuel for the body and needs to be controlled.  The calorie difference is between a you ng and old person is not partilcaularly dramatic – only about 200 or so calories per day but over time it can add up to increased weight gains.

For older people, getting enough protein is key to good health.  As we age we need to get more protein relative to the rest of our diet. Protein assists the body with immune functions and prevention of osteoporosis.

An example of a diet that seems to work well and is easy to follow is the Mediterranean Diet. This diet also helps with weight loss and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes.. In fact one does need to follow any diet at all as long as one eats a well rounded diet and some extra protein. Protein does not necessarily means animal proteins either.  There are many examples of non-animal proteins that are easy to prepare and healthy e.g . lentils and beans.

Dieting is about making lifestyles changes that are simple and easy to implement even if they take a while to get going.  Humans have habits and especially older people who have been doing things for a very long time it can be hard to change and break certain habits.  White flour, sugar, salt etc can be hard to break but adding proteins, vegetables and legumes can be added easily too.