Park Springs, the Southeast’s premier Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCCR) located in Stone Mountain is garnering national attention. Recently, Food and Beverage Director Jim Schneeberger wrote a feature article that appeared on front page on The Senior Journal, one of the leading online Web sites dedicated to senior citizens. The 10-year old publication gets close to 80,000 unique visitors each month.

Schneeberger’s article titled, “Proper Nutrition for Senior Citizens: Why we eat what we eat and what you should be eating” focused on the importance of senior citizens making the right decisions when it comes to their eating habits. He suggested eating five small meals a day as an effective way to maintain a well balanced diet. He went on to offer the following 10 suggestions when making food choices.

1. Select four or more servings of fruits and vegetables. These are important for vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin C and fiber.  Include cruciferous vegetables often: broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage or cauliflower.
2. Substitute whole-grain breads and cereals for white breads and cereals.  Use four to six or more servings daily.
3. Select low-fat milk and cheeses instead whole milk and cheeses.  Use cream, ice cream and whole milk cheeses rarely.
4. Include four to five ounces of lean meat, poultry or fish daily.  Use chicken and fish more often.
5. Include three or four eggs a week.
6. Reduce the consumption of sugars and fats.
7. Reduce the intake of salt and heavy salt infused products.
8. Abstain from alcohol or drink in moderation.
9. Reduce the intake of salt-and smoke-cured meats or charbroiled meats.
10. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.

Be sure to read the article in its entirety for more detailed information, and visit Park Springs to see these healthy eating habits being implemented in everyday life.