Healthy Eating for a Healthy Lifestyle

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Take steps toward a healthier lifestyle by making healthier choices each day. We have compiled these tips to help you on your journey to better nutrition.

As we get older, it is even more important to develop and maintain healthy eating habits. One of the best ways to keep track of what you eat is developing a meal plan that you can follow throughout the day.

  • According to the National Institute on Aging (NIH), enjoying a variety of food from each food group: vegetables, fruits, grains, protein foods, and dairy, can help reduce the risk of developing diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
  • Make healthy food choices that are low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. You may use nutrition facts labels and ingredient lists to ensure you are following this tip.
  • Choose beverages that are low in added sugars.
  • Add flavor to foods with spices and herbs instead of salt. This will make your meal tastier and healthier at the same time.
  • Increase daily physical activity to promote weight loss and help to control blood sugar.
  • Before taking vitamin and mineral supplements, speak with your medical provider about the right ones for you.
  • Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can also help in the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.
  • Opt for snacks with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to help keep you full throughout the day.

Adhering to a healthy meal plan does not have to be difficult. I recommend planning in advance to get the guesswork out of the process. In addition, making a shopping list will help ensure you will only buy things that you need for the nutritious meals you have planned and can help you stay on budget.

FOR PARTICIPANTS:
As a participant of CenterLight’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), you have access to a dietitian as part of your care team. Dietitians can help with meal planning and nutrition education. CenterLight PACE participants can also attend our Day Health Centers, where you can enjoy healthy meals and fun activities.

Remember that healthy eating is all about balance. You can enjoy good food if it’s part of your healthy eating plan. Remember to talk to your medical provider about what type of physical activity is right for you, as it is important to combine nutrition with physical exercise. Depending on your individual condition, being active can help you improve your overall health and wellbeing.

CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.


This blog post is written by Joy Licata, RD, Director of Nutrition Services at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.


Sources: USDA and National Institutes of Health (NIH)

H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_HealthyEating
Updated January 9, 2025

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYSDOH. Participants may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services. Upon enrollment, the PACE program will be the participant’s sole service provider. Participants will have access to all services needed as identified by the Interdisciplinary Team, but not to a specific provider of these services. Please contact us for more information.

H3329 CLPACEWebsite Approved 10222024

Last Updated on March 26, 2025