Village at Proprietors Green wishes a happy National Nutrition Month to all! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics dedicates March each year to turning people’s attention to making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity choices.
Village at Proprietors Green celebrates healthy eating and active lifestyles every day, by serving up just the right combination of delicious and nutritious meals, fun and engaging activities, and a friendly, caring environment.
At Village at Proprietors Green menus are reviewed twice annually by a registered dietitian. Further, the senior living community is hosting a Celebrity Guest Chef Series, periodically inviting area restaurant chefs to share their mouth-watering and nutritious selections with residents of Village at Proprietors Green.
Now let’s consider the terms “informed food choices” and “sound eating habits.” Simply put, this means knowing and choosing to eat the foods that keep the body functioning well. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends filling half of your mealtime plate with fruits and vegetables. The rest of the plate can include protein from fish or lean meat and grains (at least half of which should be whole grains). Add a side of a low-fat dairy product and you have a nutritious meal. Other general recommendations include avoiding oversized portions and limiting sodium, saturated fat and added sugars.
To a certain extent, people’s nutritional needs are as unique as the individual himself or herself. Some may be trying to lose weight while others are trying to gain. Some may savor every bite, while others have no appetite. Certain medical conditions can also impact which foods to choose, which to avoid and what portions to eat.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there is emerging evidence that the same guidelines for reducing heart disease—regular physical activity and a diet low in saturated fat and rich in vegetables and vegetables oils—also reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Other research theorizes that certain nutritional and lifestyle deficiencies (not enough sleep or physical activity) may be involved in the loss of mental function.
Many individuals can be lacking specific vitamins and nutrients in their diets and not even know it. One of the keys to good nutrition is to know yourself and what you need. Ask your doctor or a nutritionist for advice if you need it. And remember, the healthiest foods can also be the most delicious.