Are you too fat, or are you too thin? Americans have long been obsessed with the idea of achieving the “perfect weight.” The perfect weight for a senior is different, and it is time to sit up and take notice.
There is a reason why your doctor weights you every time you walk into his/her office. Your weight tells them a great deal about you. Whether you are too fat or too thin is of great concern.
As you approach 70 or 80 you may be told that you need to gain weight. Whew, finally, you think. You finally get to eat all of the things you have been craving for years. Alas, it doesn’t work that way. You now need to think seriously about eating foods that are actually good for you.
Not as easy as you might think; your appetite isn’t what it used to be, you have lost interest in cooking, and healthy foods are expensive.
What do you do when you no longer have the will or the appetite to fill your plate with all those essential nutrients?
Your health care team is there for you. Once they have established why you are losing weight, they will help you get on track, maybe for the first time in your life.
They will look at what, when, and how much you are eating, before coming up with a meal plan for you. More than likely, they will suggest eating a series of small meals throughout the day.
At your age you need to consider the nutritional value in each bite. Remember the protein drinks that you used to drink to replace meals in order to lose weight? Well, they are still out there, but now they can be used as a way to add “extra” nutrients to your diet.
Think nutrition when you prepare your meals. Research on your own or have a dietitian explain what foods give you the most boost for your buck. You need better calories, not just more calories in your diet. Eat carefully and consider the nutritional programs offered by your Senior Centers and Meals on Wheels. A balanced meal can make the difference between health and disability.
Leave a Reply