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The old saying “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” has stood the test of time — and for good reason. Breakfast is a key part of senior nutrition, and the benefits of this first meal of the day are vast: From improving energy levels and concentration to reducing the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and more, eating a healthy breakfast is a verified way to support overall health.
If you’re looking to improve your breakfast regime, start a new morning routine or are in need of some breakfast ideas for seniors, here’s everything to know to start your day in a healthy, satisfying way.
When it comes to senior nutrition, fueling your body and mind with breakfast is important for many reasons, including:
Related: The Importance Of Fiber For Older Adults
When it comes to breakfast, the choices are truly limitless. But, not all breakfast options are created equal. When deciding on breakfast, you ultimately want to choose high-quality, whole foods. In general, the fewer ingredients a food item has, the better. Here are some other tips on how to create a healthy, hearty breakfast:
Another breakfast tip: Be mindful of sugar content. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends about 36 grams (9 teaspoons) of sugar per day for men, and 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day for women.
Food items like cereals, breads and granola bars may appear healthy at first glance, but check the ingredients list before consuming them. “Sugar” is only one word used to describe this ingredient. If you see terms like “dextrose,” “glucose,” “cane juice,” or “high-fructose corn syrup,” to name a few, beware — these are all alternative names to sugar that mean the same thing. In addition, ingredients on food labels are organized by the quantity of the ingredient from highest to lowest, meaning the closer sugar (or one of its counterpart names) is to the front of the list, the greater presence it has in the food item.
The beauty of breakfast is that whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, there are healthy options to satisfy any craving. In addition, the time needed to prepare a hearty breakfast typically takes just a few minutes.
A few breakfast meal options you might consider incorporating into your routine include:
At Independence Village, every meal is crafted with our residents in mind. Not only are residents able to choose from multiple, customizable meal options each day, but they also have access to our in-house registered dietitian and personal nutritional plans. To learn more about our dining options, contact StoryPoint at 1-844-403-6569.
Related: What To Eat To Boost Your Immune System As A Senior
Related: Why Seniors Should Eat Whole Grains For A Healthy Diet