by Rita Barbieri, BASc., RD & Tracy Morris BA, BASc.
As we age, it is important to maintain a healthy weight. If an older person lives alone, eating enough can sometimes be a challenge. Cooking for one or two can be tough. Food may not be as interesting and may not even taste as good because we lose our ability to fully taste food as we get older. This can make it hard to maintain your weight if you don’t feel like eating.
Lack of proper nutrition affects how well we fight disease. It also limits our energy levels, preventing us from enjoying our everyday activities.
But there is good news. By simply making some wise food choices and watching portion sizes you can be on your way to a healthy weight and feeling great!
Follow Canada’s Food Guide. Eating from all food groups ensures that you make wise food choices. Enjoy a variety of foods from each of the four food groups:
If you are trying to gain weight, try these tips:
The ‘plate method’ is a way to help you plan your meals and balance your portion sizes.
Choose an 8-inch dinner plate.
Designing your plate:
Hungry between meals? Try these tasty snacks!
Relax and enjoy each meal. Find a comfortable place to eat. Invite family or friends over. Try a new recipe, or new spices and herbs that add a little kick of flavor. Join a cooking club and learn more!
For more cooking tips, check out the Silver Times article “Cooking for One or Two?”
About the Authors
Rita Barbieri, BASc., RD
EatRight Ontario Contact Centre Dietitian
Tracy Morris BA, BASc.
Dietetic Intern, Sunnybrook Hospital