By RYAN CHAMPION/UMC at The Shores
The following are six great grocery shopping tips for seniors that will help keep hearts both healthy and strong.
— Plan Meals: Meal plans make healthy eating easier and are great for budgeting. When looking to create a week’s worth of heart-healthy recipes, look at the websites for the American Heart Association, Eating Well and the Heart and Stroke Foundation for some great meal inspiration. There is also a menu planner from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help stay organized.
— Categorize the Grocery List: To navigate a grocery store and not miss anything, organize the grocery list according to store and aisle.
— Fresh Best but Not Only Option: Fresh fruits and vegetables are always the best choices for a heart-healthy diet, but it can be difficult to get fresh produce in the winter. In those cases, choose frozen fruits and vegetables. Look for brands that flash-freeze their produce without adding extra salt and sugar.
— Read Nutrition Labels: Certain foods often look like a healthy choice but the nutrition labels show a different story. Use the labels on foods to reach daily heart-health targets.
— Avoid Processed Foods: These are often very high in cholesterol, trans-fats, sodium, sugar and preservatives. Worse, they are (more often than not) low in nutritional value. Processed foods to avoid include most breakfast cereals, canned meat and vegetables, potato chips, frozen dinners and flavored snacks.
— Eat the Rainbow: Aim for meals and fresh food snacks that offer lots of bright natural colors, as this helps ensure there is enough fiber, minerals and vitamins. Prioritize dark leafy greens, berries, tomatoes, zucchini, avocados, squash, oranges, bell peppers, raw nuts and more.
Assisted living in Ocean City is a helping hand for parents and families. United Methodist Communities at The Shores is a senior living community offering assisted living services in an environment focused on abundant living. Rehabilitation, access to therapists, respite care, memory care, and skilled nursing care are available and seniors from all faith backgrounds are welcome.
To find out more about United Methodist Communities at The Shores, visit theshores.umcommunities.org or call (609) 399-8505 for a personal tour.
