By Chef Kevin Morrow, Director of Dining Services
The Cabana at Jensen Dunes
Assisted Living and Memory Support
We all find that as we age, we can’t eat like we did when we were teenagers. Our metabolisms slow – and maintaining a well-balanced, nutritious diet becomes increasingly more important. Below are a few senior-specific nutrition tips:
- Variety is vital. At The Cabana, we change our menus daily. Different foods provide different benefits, so if you eat the same thing every day, you may be leaving out some key nutrients that your body needs. It’s also a good rule of thumb to limit foods that are processed, like fast food and frozen TV dinners.
- Say no to sugar. This is a really tough one for some people. While cutting out sugar is essential for diabetics, sugar contains absolutely zero nutrients. If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, go for foods like berries and sweet potatoes, which are naturally sweet. I am always conscious of sugar content when preparing meals for our residents, and we offer a variety of “no sugar added” desserts.
- The power of protein. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, so incorporating protein into your everyday diet is important. Muscle is crucial for bone protection and plays a big role in your overall physical health. You can get your protein fix from a variety of foods – such as greek yogurt, chicken, fish, eggs and nuts.
- Brighter means better. Color signifies high nutrient content. Eating a colorful plate of food can help strengthen your immune system and promote heart health. One of our residents even has her own herb garden, which she graciously allows me to “harvest.”
At The Cabana, we take pride in delivering quality, wholesome dishes for our residents. We work hard to accommodate not only their dietary needs, but also their taste preferences. Give us a call at 772-332-1000 to schedule your complimentary tour and tasting!