Meat, poultry, and fish should be a part of your diet to help you meet the requirements for zinc. Calcium Calcium is one ingredient that most elderly folks simply aren't getting enough of. Most believe that milk upsets their stomach, and therefore they will avoid it. They should be getting around 1,500 mg of calcium a day, and nonfat powdered milk can be used in recipes as a substitute for milk. Canned beans are a great deal as well, as they give you protein at a great price. 5. Beans as a substitute You should use beans a substitute for meat on a frequent occasion. There are several varieties, so you can prepare them in a crock pot, so when you return home they are ready to consume. The USDA recommends eating beans at least 4 times per week. When cooking your food, you should also limit solid fats such as butter, margarine, shortening, and lard. These foods may add flavor to your dishes, although they can also help raise your cholesterol as well. Therefore, you should try to add these foods and any foods that happen to contain them. To help keep your saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium low, you can check the nutrition facts label. Broccoli Broccoli can help protect against breast cancer, and it also contains a lot of vitamin C and beta-carotene. One cup of chopped broccoli contains 25 calories, 0 fat, and 3 grams of fiber. Spinach Spinach contains carotenoids that can help fend off macular degeneration, which is a major cause of blindness in older people. This is the ideal way to get nutrition, as your body relies on these vitamins for many reasons. When you eat on campus, skip on the soda's and go right to the juice machines. Explore the different entrees available and go to the salad bar where there are fresh vegetables. You can also try putting some broccoli and cauliflower in the microwave for steamed vegetables. Decide on what your children will wear to school before you go to bed and locate lost shoes for the following day. 3. In the morning, get up 15 minutes earlier. 4. Give up computer games and morning television. 5. Have healthy foods on hand. You should also shop for breakfast foods with your kids and take into account their personal preferences.