The CCBA (Carter Community Building Association) and Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD) have partnered to offer Aging Well, a free series designed to help older adults take charge of their health. The program covers important topics like brain health, nutrition, Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, and mobility, supporting APD’s mission to improve community well-being.
Aging Well continued on March 27 with a session on nutrition lead by APD’s Shawn Richardson, Director of Nutrition and Environmental Services. He was joined by Joanna Graber, CCBA’s Group Fitness Director a registered dietician, and registered dietician Diane Kelecy, who is on staff at CCBA and APD.
Shawn, a classically trained chef, says that people often ask him, “What am I supposed to eat?”
According to Shawn, there are many paths to healthy eating. But if you’re looking for an easy, healthy diet, he recommends the Mediterranean diet. It’s not about losing weight. This way of eating has many benefits such as heart health, weight management, and brain health.
Most of us know that the macronutrients – carbohydrates, fats and proteins – are the keys to health. Knowing how much to eat from each group can be confusing, and even overwhelming.
But when following the Mediterranean diet, there is no need to count calories or track macronutrients. (An exception is those who are managing their glucose levels for type 2 diabetes.) Shawn says there is no “ideal” macronutrient ratio. The best ratio for weight loss or maintenance depends on each individual.
As with any diet, he cautions, it’s essential to consume all food in moderation.
A few of Shawn’s best tips:
- Go meatless for one meal a day and/or one day a week.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon is antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and a powerful antioxidant.
- Cook at least one new recipe a month, or even a week, if you have time. And when you’re cooking, turn on some music! Cooking is fun!
Another frequent question that Shawn receives is, “What do you like to cook?” He always responds, “Everything! Because I really like to eat!”
Learn more about the Mediterranean diet at The Mediterranean Dish.
Next in Aging Well: Mobility to Support an Active Aging Lifestyle, Thursday, May 29, 1-2pm at CCBA. Sign up on CCBA’s website. This session will focus on improving your mobility and balance with APD Occupational and Physical staff. FREE and open to the public; registration encouraged.
For more information, contact Beth O’Donnell, APD Director of Community Health, at O'DonnellE@apdmh.org.