Ideal dining experience—a blend of many ingredients

by Marge Coalman, EdD, Touchmark Vice President, Wellness & Programs

Once again, advertisers are promoting reactive health care rather than proactive prevention.

It has been a long time since North Americans were dependent on the fall harvest for provisions through the long winter months. Today, almost all food is available—for a price—during any season of the year. We have the convenience of 24-hour supermarkets and store-to-door delivery options. Increasingly, there is a growing emphasis on and availability of organically grown foods. Furthermore, we now know about “superfoods,” such as blueberries, broccoli, salmon, and spinach that provide even more nutrients per serving than the traditional food pyramid recommendations.

Yet, we continue to have an obesity epidemic.

Startling data on the numbers of people in all age groups who are “morbidly obese” have spurred ever-growing numbers of ads for invasive surgeries and other high-risk interventions to try and control weight and reduce the risk of diabetes, kidney failure, high blood pressure, cancer, and other health risks associated with excessive body weight. Once again, advertisers are promoting reactive health care rather than proactive prevention.

In an effort to get things back to a more common-sense approach, the World Health Organization, Health Canada, and the American Dietetic Association are working together to support food-based dietary guidelines that make sense to people and take into consideration cultural, social, and personal preferences. Eating is and always has been a celebratory event for those who have access to food. The dining experience is a combination of environment, stimulation of the senses, companionable diners, and dedicated time to enjoy food. Good choices, the right balance of food selections, serving sizes, and total caloric consumption also need to be taken into consideration.

Touchmark supports healthful eating with menus based on the latest nutritional guidelines available for adults over 50. Just as important is the emphasis on the social elements and ambiance of the dining experience. We welcome suggestions about educational offerings on nutrition, Life Enrichment/Wellness events with food and beverages, and the social experience of dining. To share your ideas, please contact Life Enrichment/Wellness Director Bobbie Thompson. Good food, good health, good company, and good conversation are the goals of the Touchmark dining experience.