Fiber increases should be made gradually, as a large increase may cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Try serving baked sweet potatoes instead of regular baked potatoes or baked squash. These are foods that seniors enjoy and are often forgotten on menus. If they do, seniors are going to be much more likely to eat them and to consume a healthy diet. Jackie DeWitt, of Raymond, Ill., a certified dietary manager with Tutera Management Group, thinks the new pyramid for older adults makes sense.
Food is often the last source of independence.
DeWitt uses a computer program to design her menus and make sure they meet proper calorie counts, but she also tries to make sure menus meet the Food Guide Pyramid's goal of getting a variety of foods from all food groups. Expect more on the new pyramid for older adults this spring. 1. Make healthy eating and nutrition a life-long priority. Nutrition needs change with age. Keep moving throughout your life.