Retirement communities showcase healthier dining

MCLEAN, Va. — Sautéed striped bass with quinoa tomato salad and minted lemon parsley vinaigrette. While a mouthful to say, it is also good to eat and one of the many tasty, nutritious meals enjoyed by Sunrise Senior Living residents.

In support of National Nutrition Month, Sunrise communities across the U.S. and Canada will host Taste of Sunrise events, March 8 –14. The public is invited to sample home-cooked meals, meet Sunrise’s culinary professionals, learn about the Sunrise Signature Dining program and become educated on the importance of senior nutrition.

“Taste of Sunrise is an opportunity to get in touch with the local community and have a dialogue about the unique nutritional needs of seniors, while demonstrating that a well-balanced meal can also be incredibly delicious,” said Tim Whelan, vice president of Dining Services for Sunrise.

According to NIH’s National Institute on Aging, many health issues associated with becoming older can be controlled and delayed by eating healthier.

For seniors, families and caregivers seeking tips to make at-home meals flavorful and nutrient-dense, Sunrise suggests:

Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, berries, fish, nuts and bright orange vegetables.
Does a recipe taste bland? Rather than reach for the salt shaker, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice, vinegar or herbs to boost flavor.
Limiting certain foods known to cause inflammation, like those high in saturated fat or sugar.
“Our Sunrise Signature Dining program adheres to the notion that choice is paramount for residents. Menu options change daily and home-style meals are prepared by our chefs using the freshest ingredients – always keeping in mind the special dietary needs of seniors, such as providing high-fiber or low-fat choices. But we won’t compromise flavor,” added Caitlin Rogers, national director of Dining and Nutrition Services.

Sunrise’s continued focus on senior nutrition is reflected in one of its newest offerings, aimed at helping residents and their families make informed decisions when dining at Sunrise. Regional menus with nutritional information for each recipe are now posted on assisted living communities’ dining webpages. The online menus complement Sunrise’s existing table menus that are available in dining rooms.