St. Ignatius Seniors: Tips to a healthy Thanksgiving feast

Healthy Thanksgiving eating for seniors focuses on nutrient density, portion control and food safety. Seniors require fewer calories but more vitamins and minerals, in addition to considerations for chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Prioritize lean protein to maintain muscle mass. Take the skin off the turkey meat to reduce saturated fat.

Boost fiber with sides. Vegetables such as roasted Brussel sprouts, carrots and green beans aid digestion and help to regulate blood sugar.

Choose nutrient-dense carbohydrates such as roasted sweet potatoes sprinkled with cinnamon and drizzled with olive oil. Modify traditional recipes by using low sodium broth, herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt and butter.

For dessert, a small piece of pumpkin pie has more nutrients (like vitamin A) and less sugar than pecan or apple pie.

Foot Care is available at the center from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 9. Call 406-745-4462 to schedule.

The next bingo game is Nov. 14 at 2 p.m.

Everyone is welcome at our meals (young and old). Come enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation. If you want a take-out meal, please call 406-745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Friday and by 2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday; lunch is served at noon Tuesday and Friday and 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Menus for the month are available in the entryway.

Main dishes for the upcoming week include pork stir-fry and rice, Friday, Nov. 6; pizza, Tuesday, Nov.10; tuna sandwiches, Friday, Nov. 13; and tater-tot casserole, Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Our senior center is available for rent; call for information. If you have questions about obtaining Elder Commodities, call or stop by for information and an application.

Gentle yoga is 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and costs $5 per week. Bring your own mat.