National Nutrition Month (NNM) is an annual campaign focusing on nutrition education and providing health information, which is complied by the American Dietetic Association (ADA).  The National Nutrition Month campaign focuses on making healthy food choices, developing sound eating habits, and being physically active everyday.  The ADA makes a point to highlight specific nutrition facts for the older adults and kids.

Special Nutrient Needs for Older Adults

• Calcium and Vitamin D. More vitamin D and calcium are needed as we age to help maintain bone health.  The best way to assure you are getting enough is to include three servings of vitamin D-fortified, low-fat or fat-free milk and yogurt each day. Other calcium-rich foods sources include: fortified cereals and fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables and canned fish with soft bones. (If you take a calcium supplement or multivitamin, choose one that contains vitamin D.)
  

Half-way to 100 and in the best shape of your life! Exercising and eating right are the two main ingredients for a healthy body. Do you exercise on a normal basis? Do you watch what you eat and try to get a variation of nutrition daily? I have a lot of friends and clients that say, “Hey, I workout on a daily basis, I can eat whatever I want!!” True, some people can get away with this, but why not exercise and eat healthy anyway?

Avoid sugary, salty, fatty, carb-loaded foods and try to focus on foods that are rich in nutrients and that actually benefit your body. Check out the Food Guide Pyramid if you have any questions about what to eat or portion sizes. I recommend exercising five to six days a week, but I realize that everyone doesn’t have the luxury of getting to the gym that often. Do your best and make the most out of each workout that you do. You should leave every exercise session dripping with sweat and at least somewhat exhausted.

Sixty down and many more to go! Are you in your sixties and searching for some new ways to lose or maintain your weight? Diet is the most important factor in these efforts. Try to limit your fat consumption and focus on smaller portion sizes. I recommend eating five or six small meals a day rather than three large ones. Eating six meals a day is rather time consuming, but worth it if you have time.

Also, I feel that balance and stability is vital for your age. Thus, I recommend Yoga and Pilates. Yoga improves your posture, endurance, flexibility, balance, sleep, joint range of motion, and many other benefits as well. Try engaging in a Yoga class for 30 to 60 minutes a day for two to three days a week.

Are you 70 or older and trying to find a way to maintain or lose weight? Basically, any slight changes that you make will enhance the weight loss process. Changing your diet, exercising, or just being more active throughout the course of the day will help.

First, let’s discuss the diet. Try to avoid fast food as often as you can and check food labels as well. I recommend keeping a food log, this holds you accountable and helps you keep track of the amount of calories you intake. Try to focus on foods that are high in protein and low in sodium, fat, saturated fat, and carbohydrates. Make sure to watch your portion sizes, too.