Next Steps to Better Nutrition
Part 2:
Making Healthy Food Choices
A nonprofit service and advocacy organization
© 2014 National Council on Aging
1
Next Steps to Better Nutrition
Healthy eating begins with you!
As we age, we need:
 Fewer calories
 More of key vitamins and
minerals
Make every food choice count!
A nonprofit service and advocacy organization
© 2014 National Council on Aging
2
Next Steps to Better Nutrition
Building your healthy plate
 Choose bright colored
foods.
 A healthy diet should
include: fruits,
vegetables, whole
grains, low-fat dairy,
poultry, fish, and nuts.
A nonprofit service and advocacy organization
© 2014 National Council on Aging
3
Next Steps to Better Nutrition
What does healthy eating look like?
 A healthy meal should
include: protein, whole
grain, vegetable, fruit,
and low-fat dairy.
 Choosing foods from a
variety of sources,
providing you with a
variety of nutrients in
one meal.
A nonprofit service and advocacy organization
© 2014 National Council on Aging
4
Next Steps to Better Nutrition
Why healthy eating pays off …
Stay a healthy weight,
stay independent
A nonprofit service and advocacy organization
© 2014 National Council on Aging
Control your medical
conditions, feel better
5
Next Steps to Better Nutrition
Know your foods, use the facts
A nonprofit service and advocacy organization
© 2014 National Council on Aging
6
Next Steps to Better Nutrition
Heart-Check Food Certification Program Nutrition Requirements
Total Fat
Less than 6.5 g
Saturated Fat
1 g or less and 15% or less of
calories from saturated fat
Trans Fat
Less than 0.5 g (also per label
serving)
Cholesterol
20 mg or less
Sodium
Up to 140 mg, 240 mg or 360
per label , or 480 mg per label
serving and per RACC
Beneficial Nutrients (naturally
occurring or historically fortified)
10% or more of the Daily Value
of 1 of 6 nutrients (vitamin A,
vitamin C, iron, calcium,
protein or dietary fiber)
A nonprofit service and advocacy organization
© 2014 National Council on Aging
7
Next Steps to Better Nutrition
Daily food choices for adults aged 60+
Source: https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyEating/SuggestedServings-from-Each-Food-Group_UCM_318186_Article.jsp
A nonprofit service and advocacy organization
© 2014 National Council on Aging
8
Next Steps to Better Nutrition
Don’t forget fluids
 Water is an important
nutrient too!
 Drink small amounts
of fluids consistently
throughout the day (on a
schedule) to maintain
adequate hydration.
A nonprofit service and advocacy organization
© 2014 National Council on Aging
9
Next Steps to Better Nutrition
4 ways to eat healthy as you age:
1. Know what a Healthy Plate should look like at your meals
2. Look for important nutrients:
Protein + Vitamins + Minerals
3. Read the Nutrition Facts label
4. Use the Recommended Servings Chart to maintain a
healthy diet
A nonprofit service and advocacy organization
© 2014 National Council on Aging
10
Next Steps to Better Nutrition
For more information:
 Facilitator’s name and contact information:
 NAME
 Phone Number
 Email address
 Join us for these classes to stay healthy!
 Name, date, time, location
 Name, date, time, location
A nonprofit service and advocacy organization
© 2014 National Council on Aging
11