Senior adults at the Lone Star College Kingwood Academy of Lifelong Learning were recipients of healthy eating advice from Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital during a recent seminar.
“Timing when you eat and consistency are the key for healthier eating,” said Lynsey Scott, a clinical dietitian with Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital. “Remember to eat every three to four hours throughout the day to keep your energy levels up and increase your metabolism.”
“If your appetite is poor, aim to eat five to six small frequent meals throughout the day instead of three larger meals,” Scott advised.
Scott, a dietitian at Memorial Hermann Northeast’s Cancer Center, had several quick tips for senior adults concerned about meeting dietary needs:
Don’t skip meals; this can lead to over-eating later.
If you have diabetes, skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar.Create a meal schedule – eating every three to four hours – to maintain blood glucose levels – and your energy throughout the day.Eat a protein source – fish, chicken, cottage cheese, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, smoothies with protein powder – at each meal. You’ll feel “full,” decrease your chance of developing pressure ulcers, and help increase your lean body mass.Scott encouraged the class to adapt the “Plate Method” whenever they eat –at home or on the go.
“Only a quarter of your plate should have starch like potato, rice, pasta, or a roll. Another quarter should have your protein such as fish, chicken, meatloaf, or steak,” said Scott. “The remaining half of your plate should have vegetables; side salad, green beans, or peas.”
Scott also encouraged drinking lots of water.
“As we age, we are more prone to dehydration,” she said. “Sip water every hour and with meals to avoid urinary tract infections and constipation. Eight to 10 eight-ounce glasses are a recommended amount.”
Each month, Memorial Hermann Northeast provides experts from a variety of medical and clinical fields to speak to Academy members. The group meets at Lone Star College Kingwood’s New Caney campus.
Memorial Hermann Northeast is recognized by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association as a Gold Plus Stroke Facility, designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council, and recognized as a Top Performer on key quality measures by The Joint Commission.