Having a healthy and balanced diet is important in every phase of life.  As we grow older our dietary needs begin to change. Ruth Frenchman, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (as reported on agingcare.com) states some vital nutritional tips that are important for every senior to follow.These tips include preparing meals that have high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids as they are shown to reduce inflammation that can lead to cancer, arthritis and heart disease (found in fish and flaxseed oil).  Frenchman also recommends having at least 1200 milligrams per day of calcium and Vitamin D to preserve bone health and lower blood pressure. It is also recommended to limit sodium intake as it leads to high blood pressure (avoid frozen processed or restraint food) and make sure that you or your loved one is keeping hydrated.The National Institute on Aging’s (NIA) USDA Food Patterns Plan has specific guidelines on what individuals over 50 should eat. They recommend that every day individuals over 50 consume 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 cups of fruit, 2 to 3-1/2 cups of vegetables, 5 to 10 ounces grains, 5 to 7 ounces of protein rich foods, plenty of dairy foods (3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk), 5 to 8 teaspoons of oil and a small amount of solid fats and added sugars. The NIA also recommends that individuals with specific issues like heart problems or diabetes consult with their doctors about what foods to avoid as it certain foods might make their condition worse or interact with medication. They also suggest that individuals over 50 stay away from empty calories such as foods and drinks with a lot of calories but no nutritional value (soda, alcohol and cookies). At Sprain Brook Manor’s rehabilitation center located in Westchester facility, we understand how important nutrition is for our aging patients. We strive to bring the excellence of fine dining to all of its residents by offering choice. Our chefs create delicious menus choosing fresh seasonal foods, fruits and vegetables to offer a delicious home style cooking. For more information about Sprain Brook Manor’s Skilled Nursing Care located in Westchester food menu please see our amenities section. This post is provided by Sprain Brook Manor Rehab which Provides unique opportunity to recover from medical procedures that result in true satisfying results. Getting you stronger and better every day. Contact us today to receive more information. Disclaimer: The information provided in this post in not intended to be construed as health advice, nor should it be considered a substitute for obtaining individual medical counsel or consulting your physician.