Making a plan to eat healthy can keep you healthy and active for longer. Read these articles on how to make smart food choices, shop for healthy food on a budget, and what vitamins and minerals older people need. Use the sample menus to plan your meals and shopping list!
In the News
Combination of healthy lifestyle traits may substantially reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk
Repurposed drug helps obese mice lose weight, improve metabolic function
Research on intermittent fasting shows health benefits
Calorie restriction may benefit healthy adults under 50
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Sample Menus: Healthy Eating for Older Adults
Planning a day’s worth of meals using smart food choices might seem overwhelming at first. Here are some sample menus to show you how easy it can be. These menus provide 2,000 calories a day and do not exceed the recommended amount of sodium or calories from saturated fats and added sugars. You
Calorie Restriction and Fasting Diets: What Do We Know?
Can calorie restriction or fasting promote better health and longer life? Learn the evidence from NIA for eating patterns such as time-restricted feeding, alternate-day fasting, and the 5:2 diet.
Live Long in Good Health: Could Calorie Restriction Mimetics Hold the Key?
Researchers are exploring drugs that could extend healthy lifespan by mimicking the benefits of calorie restriction. Learn the status of calorie restriction mimetics research.
Choosing Healthy Meals As You Get Older
Good nutrition is part of healthy aging! Read about healthy eating and meal plans, and get 10 tips for choosing healthy foods and a healthy lifestyle.
USDA Food Patterns
The USDA Food Patterns can help you keep an eye on the calories you eat. For a balanced diet, choose healthy foods from five major food groups.
Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging
Make healthy food choices part of your daily life. Your older self will thank you!
Know Your Food Groups
How to eat healthy? Choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods across and within all the food groups: vegetables, fruits, grains, protein foods, dairy products, and oils.
Serving and Portion Sizes: How Much Should I Eat?
How much food should you eat? Learn about servings and portion sizes for healthy nutrition and find healthy snack suggestions.
Important Nutrients to Know: Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Fats
Nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and fats can help you stay healthy as you age. Make sure you get the right amount of each.
Vitamins and Minerals for Older Adults
Older adults may have different vitamin and mineral needs than younger adults. Find recommended amounts and information on calcium, sodium, vitamin D, and more.
Getting Enough Fluids
Drinking enough fluids helps you digest food, absorb nutrients, and get rid of waste. Read these tips to help you get enough fluids.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Balancing the calories you eat and physical activity is key to maintaining a healthy weight. Learn how exercise and healthy eating can help.
Shopping for Food That's Good for You
Eating healthy food on a budget starts with the right grocery list! These tips can help older people shop for nutritious food.
Reading Food Labels
Reading food labels can help you make smart food choices. Learn how to read and understand the product date, ingredient list, and Nutrition Facts label.
10 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget
Healthy food doesn’t have to be expensive. Get tips for saving money on healthy food and shopping on a budget.
Food Safety
Practice food safety to avoid getting sick from your food. When cooking—clean, separate, cook, chill. Learn how.
Overcoming Roadblocks to Healthy Eating
Do you have troubles with eating, no appetite, or difficulty chewing? Get problem-solving suggestions for common barriers to healthy eating.