“Food is not just fuel,” writes Michael Pollan, journalist and bestselling author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma. “Food is about family, food is about community, food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well.”
As we celebrate National Nutrition Month in March, there’s no better time to take a closer look at how we’re nourishing not only our bodies, but our lives. And that starts by simplifying the path from farm to table with delicious meals cooked fresh, by humans, from real ingredients.
Unlike fad diets, which often encourage weight loss by restricting or eliminating entire food groups, older adults benefit most from a balanced and diverse diet featuring a colorful selection of fresh produce, lean proteins, healthy fats and whole grains. That variety helps ensure you’re covering all your nutritional bases, say experts.
“Beginning in your 50s, your body needs more of certain nutrients such as calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin D and protein,” writes Alice Callahan for the New York Times, in an interview with researcher Dr. Anna Maria Siega-Riz. “Because of that … you’ll need to dedicate more of your daily calorie budget to foods that give you a bigger bang for your buck nutrient-wise.”
When you live at The Mayflower, you don’t have to go far to enjoy balanced, flavorful meals made just the way you like them. With three unique campus restaurants – the white-tablecloth Winslow, the casual, pub-style Grille, and the sophisticated new Cru Quarters bistro – variety is always on the menu.
We’re also taking “fresh food” to the next level at Cru Quarters, where diners can watch as their dish comes together before their eyes in a stunning display kitchen. The restaurant’s menu, which celebrates the flavors of France, Italy and Greece, changes throughout the year to highlight in-season ingredients like Florida orange blossom honey and locally grown heirloom tomatoes.
And for those who enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a scoop of refreshing ice cream for dessert – and who doesn’t? – healthy eating doesn’t have to mean giving up on the occasional treat.
“We believe wholeheartedly in the trend toward fresh ingredients and healthier living,” comments Mayflower sommelier Chelsea Santiago. “And we’re rising to meet that demand – not only with non-alcoholic options, but also with vegan wines, organic drinks and cocktail syrups made in-house from fresh fruit.”
The relationship between food and wellness is complex, and it doesn’t end at the dinner table. From nutrition seminars with Wellness Coordinator Sarah Burke to hands-on culinary classes with Chef Patrick Tramontana, The Mayflower offers more opportunities than ever to learn more about what goes on your plate – and how it fuels health, happiness and connection throughout life.
When you live at The Mayflower, you don’t have to go far to enjoy the best things in life. Exceptional dining, creativity and culture, wellness, and lifelong learning are at the heart of our vibrant Winter Park community – and with stylish (and surprisingly affordable) apartments available now, there’s no better time to get on board.
Ready to learn more? Send us a message or give us a call at 407.672.1620 to book your personal tour today. We look forward to hearing from you!