by Randi Drasin, MS, RDN – Nutrition Department Supervisor for Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE.
What does it really mean to “eat healthy,” to follow a “balanced diet,” and to make smart nutrition choices? The truth is, everyone’s appetites, preferences, health goals, nutrition needs, and lifestyles look completely different. Not only that, each person’s needs evolve over time, even from one day to the next. In order to start, and keep eating healthy foods that give your brain and body energy, your approach needs to be extremely personal, gradual, flexible, and open-minded. Here at Brandman Centers for Senior Care BCSC PACE, we work with seniors to build specific nutrition plans to address numerous healthcare needs such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, obesity and much more.
The definition of healthy eating, both personally and professionally, is striking the right balance of eating nourishing foods that help you feel your best both physically and psychologically. The word “balance” has become a bit clichéd these days, but ultimately, it is the feeling that your eating pattern should promote a sense that you’re consuming foods in the amounts you need to feel satisfied, not stuffed.
What does that healthy balance ultimately look like? Lots of produce, lean protein (especially seafood), legumes (beans/peas), 100% whole grains, nuts, seeds, and other heart-healthy fats, plus room for real desserts and maybe a cocktail should you so desire!
People often set unattainable, unsustainable, or sometimes-harmful goals in an effort to start eating healthier and make drastic changes to their health overnight, which is not possible. Prioritizing personal health and well-being is not a place or a destination, it’s a journey that changes over time. This means that what works for you today, this week, or this year may not continue to work for you next year—and that’s OK! As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at BCSC PACE, I really enjoy working with each senior participant and their families to recommend healthy nutrition plans and nutrition tips that may help improve how they think and feel overall.
If you really want to develop good-for-you eating habits, and understand how to eat, drink, and feel better to support your entire body with food that nourishes you, the Dietitians here at BCSC PACE can help you create achievable, modifiable, and no-nonsense tips for how to start eating healthier now and forever.
For more information about BCSC PACE, call 844.952.7223.
