Bridging "The Diet Divide" - The Need for "Diet Literacy" - MacDonald Cheeseburgers vs. Subway Veggie Delite Sandwiches?

We hear a lot about the "Digital Divide," the gap between those who are computer literate and those who missed out on computer learning. I made up the term "The Diet Divide" to refer to the divide or gap between seniors who are "diet literate" and health conscious and those who continue to eat a diet that can have fatal consequences.

One group is for those who feel one of life's dearest rewards is eating MacDonald Cheeseburgers, plus other high fat, high carb, or high sugar foods, often in giant servings.

The other is the health conscious group, who is over at Subway eating Veggie Delites and turkey sandwiches.

During the 1970's,1980's and 90's awareness of the health problems caused by diets high in fat, simple carbs, and sugar grew. But old habits from childhood are hard to fight.

Today, almost 2010, many seniors with cardiovascular health problems continue to heap plates high with unhealthy amounts of fats, sugars, starches and simple carbs.

Even recovery from open heart surgery for multiple bypasses is not enough to deter some of those who look forward to a breakfast of eggs with melted cheese, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy. Others feel one of the best rewards of the day is a marbled steak big enough to feed a small family. Habits are hard to break.

Yet there is also a growing group of health conscious eaters who are focusing more on eating vegetables, choosing fresh food instead of processed food, buying bread with whole grain, choosing low sodium diets, and making other healthy choices.

MacDonald Cheeseburgers or low-fat Subway Sandwiches? The choice can make a big difference in health, a sense of well-being, and longevity.

Last winter I lost one of my dearest friends, who had already had one 5 way heart bypass. Even after the first heart bypass this friend continued "eating like a farmhand" despite living a current sedentary lifestyle.

Result: obesity, heart blockages, and the need for a second heart bypass, this time a 3 way. Some of my friend's favorite meals: MacDonald's Big Mac, eggs and bacon, biscuits and gravy, fat marbled red meat, regular (not lowfat) cottage cheese (in huge quantities). During the second heart bypass operation my friend died.

How can we bridge "The Great Diet Divide" and get everybody on board to eat a healthier diet?

Seniors and Eating Habits

Changing eating habits from the foods of one's youth to the heart healthy foods is a special challenge for seniors. Carbohydrates, starches, sugery desserts, salty recipes, and red meat marbled with fat are some of the foods that many seniors enjoyed when they were younger. In later life, health issues such as heart disease and diabetes make it important to change eating habits to a low carb, low suger, low fat, low salt diet.

It's easy to turn to the comfort foods of younger days but there are other comforts in life that one can turn to instead.

When one has already given up many pleasures of younger years, seniors often feel it's another frustrating blow to give up the foods they like too. They may say "what's left?!" Here are some ideas for rewards to substitute other than food.

Life does still have meaning and pleasures. For instance,, computers provide opportunities for mental challenge, learning, meeting friends online, and sharing emails, photos, and videos. Continuing to learn exercises the brain as well and helps prevent dementia. Games, entertainment, computer armchair-travel, and other activities can help to fill the day.

Socializing with groups is another way to provide healthy activity. Church, health clubs, public pools and spas, volunteer organizations, seniors clubs and special interest clubs help seniors meet needs for social contact and activity.

Changing eating habits is easier when something else is substituted for what is lost. Passing the time or solving a boredom problem by eating is something we've all done, but there are other choices that are more healthy.

American Diabetes Association Says Plan Ahead to Keep Blood Glucose Levels Down During Holiday Feasting

The American Diabetes Association offers tips for diabetics during the holiday feasting. It is a time when it's easy to stray from the special diet that a diabetic needs. The stress can also contribute to exhaustion, overeating, and changes in blood glucose levels. To prepare for the holidays the American Diabetes Association advises checking your schedules and menus in order to plan ahead.

Just yesterday a friend of mine, who is a 70 year old diabetic, mentioned she had begun celebrating the holidays and her blood suger was way up. When everyone else is partying and eating high carb foods, such as cookies, bread, pizza, cake and pies, it is easy to lose track of what you eat.

The website explains it's important to keep the fat, suger and carbohydrate counts under control in the foods that you prepare for the holidays. Traditional recipes may need to be altered or to use substitutions.

The website for the American Diabetes Association suggests getting plenty of exercise. It is tempting to spend a lot of time sitting and eating when there is so much feasting going on. The site recommends using exercise to help control blood glucose levels.

An article on the site titled "Eat Your Veggies" recommended avoiding potatoes, corn and starchy vegetables as the high carb vegetables can raise blood glucose levels. Tomatoes, carrots, squash, and green vegetables were recommended.

If you are a caregiver for a diabetic you will be preparing holiday foods. By using substitutions in the recipes you can keep the food healthy for a diabetic to consume and enjoy. There is a wealth of information on menu planning at the American Diabetes Association website to help you plan ahead.