Improving nutrition

Mealtime strategies to help an older adult maintain a healthy diet and good eating habits include the following:

• Nutrient-rich foods. Plan meals with nutrient-rich foods that include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and lean meats.
• Herbs and spices. Use herbs and spices to add flavor to meals and improve interest in eating. Experiment to find favorites.
• Healthy snacks. Plan nutrient-rich snacks between meals with fruits, vegetables or low-fat dairy products.
• Nutritional supplements. Use supplemental nutrition drinks to help with calorie intake. Add egg whites or whey powder to meals to increase proteins without adding saturated fats.