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Nutrition and Health

Proper nutrition and weight management are key factors in maintaining good health. It is extremely important for people of all ages to eat a healthy diet that meets their nutritional needs and does not contribute to excessive weight gain. However, eating healthy and controlling weight is not always easy to do, particularly for people with disabilities.

Persons with disabilities may find it difficult to control their diets due to disability-related limitations that impact their health, energy, time, mobility and access, ability to prepare healthy meals or opportunities to make independent choices. They also may need to take medications that can contribute to weight gain. Good nutrition can also be a major challenge for persons who have difficulty chewing and swallowing.

Despite these barriers, persons with disabilities can achieve a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition. Recent research has shown that even small lifestyle changes can make dramatic differences. The keys to a successful nutrition and weight management program are education, motivation and development of realistic goals.

The following can help:

• Learn how to access your kitchen and the grocery store by taking classes at your local Center for Independent Living.
• Be aware of your disability and any special food items you need to avoid to stay healthy.
• Learn about and access the Food Pyramid guide.
• Learn to cook simple recipes.
• Purchase healthy and economical foods which cost less than buying a pre-made and packaged dinner.
• Check grocery store ads for specials each week. Watch for reduced items in the store.
• Look for specials in the meat department - get a rain check if the sale items are not available.
• Look for low-priced products that can provide more than one meal.

For more information on the areas listed above see the following websites:

• Check Your Health: Learn about basic nutrition, food, exercise and keeping your body healthy. It includes weight and nutrition, dietary guidelines, weight loss programs, healthy cooking, eating out, healthy snacking, and a section for children and teens.
• The Neuromuscular Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Provides excellent recommendations for nutrition and disabilities as well as additional online resources.