Deborah Powell
Local Journalism Initiative

BRISTOL – Close to 20 people attended a healthy eating presentation and discussion geared towards seniors at the Jack Graham Community Hall in Bristol on January 11. France Ladouceur, nutritionist at the Pontiac Community Hospital, began by asking participants, “What is healthy eating?” The audience responded that following the Canada Food Guide is healthy eating, which segued nicely into Ladouceur’s guide-based presentation. The guide was updated in 2019 to an easily understandable “plate” format.

Ladouceur emphasized that the health benefits of following the guide become even more important as a person ages, and that what and how you eat can have an effect on such things as sleep and stress management. At the same time, she took a “soft” approach to the discipline of healthy eating. “Choose what you like, but be aware of the differences,” she said, giving the example of choosing between brown and white rice and whole grain vs. white bread.

Ladouceur answered a number of questions from the audience about many aspects of diet including vitamin supplements, and egg and water consumption. “Be mindful of what you’re eating but if you really want that piece of pie, have it!” she said, laughing and admitting that she has a sweet tooth.

Funding for the session and a number of other Bristol activities came through the New Horizons for Seniors grant. “Nutrition was a topic requested 3 years ago by respondents when we first applied for the grants and repeated again recently,” said Bristol Councillor Valerie Twolan Graham.

Photo – Organizers of Bristol seniors activities funded by New Horizons pictured with Saturday’s presenter. L/R: Elaine Findlay, Bonnie Beveridge, Pat Vail, Betty Chamberlain, France Ladouceur, Valerie Twolan Graham and Sue Page. (DP)