In an interview with the Health Channel, Angie Placeres, Registered Dietitian with Baptist Health South Florida, gives advice to older adults on what they should be eating. 

During the interview, Angie shows a graphic from Tufts University describing what a healthy plate should look like for adults 50 and above. In the graphic, half of the plate has fruits and vegetables. Angie says that this half of the plate should look colorful and should include a variety of different plant foods. This way you avoid consuming the same nutrients every day. Of course, greens are good as well.

 The other half of the plate is split between grains and protein. Angie says that whole grains are usually better because they have more fiber and vitamins. Fortified grains have nutrients stripped from them and then added back later. For the protein, she says that you want to be eating high quality, lean proteins that do not have a lot of extra fats. Angie says that fats can increase your risk of heart disease and hypertension.

Dairy is also included in the graphic, but Angie mentions that the amount of dairy you should be eating tends to change from model to model. Dairy is important, especially for women, because it provides calcium and vitamin D which can help prevent bone conditions like osteoporosis. After menopause, because of the drastic change in hormones, women are at a much more increased risk of osteoporosis, so dairy is especially good for them. 

For oils, Angie says that you want to stick to heart-healthy oils or monounsaturated fats, such as canola oil and olive oil. Seeds and nuts also provide a great source of healthy oils. So, foods like peanut butter and almond butter can help keep your heart healthy while being a great source of protein and fiber. Angie also says that it is best to season your foods with herbs and spices as opposed to salt, which is not so great for your heart. Finally, Angie says that staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water is of the utmost importance.

To watch the full segment of Angie Placeres talking about healthy eating habits for older adults, visit: https://youtu.be/X22Iaeb-XFc