Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Greg Pascucci
National Nutrition Month, held annually in March, encourages Americans to make informed food choices and develop sound eating habits.
At The Carlisle Naples, a luxury senior living community, residents can savor the flavors of fresh, healthy food choices year-round. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Marlon Perez, The Carlisle provides meals that are not only delicious but nutritious. In addition to providing a culinary experience that caters to residents’ tastes and desires, the on-site restaurant, The Carlisle Room, offers heart-healthy menu options.
Residents praise Chef Perez’s and his team’s ability to rotate the menu each week, with selections that may include a fresh salmon filet, lightly seasoned and grilled to order and finished with a drizzle of pesto glaze or herb-crusted spring lamb chops roasted to perfection with onion mint marmalade.
“We’re very pleased with the culinary team,” said Jerry Davis, who has lived at The Carlisle for three years. “It must be challenging satisfying everyone with such varying appetites but Chef Perez does a wonderful job.”
In addition to the five nightly specials, The Carlisle offers selections ranging from comfort foods (pot roast and meatloaf) to heart-healthy options (organic spinach salad and the community’s signature cornucopia salad which includes mixed greens, avocado, and grilled chicken).
A study published in “Neurology” found that healthy seniors who consumed leafy green vegetables daily had a slower rate of cognitive decline than those who ate little to no greens.
Chef Perez encourages older adults to add more leafy greens to their diets by delighting the senses with rich textures and colors. Instead of iceberg lettuce, for example, consider kale, spinach or even collard greens. Superfoods such as walnuts and blueberries also enhance the flavors of salads.
The Carlisle FreshZest initiative encourages a plant-based, whole-foods diet that has been shown to offer numerous health benefits and may even reverse some chronic ailments, particularly in older adults. FreshZest is part of the expansive dining choices available in the community’s restaurant, The Carlisle Room.
“Zest is an excellent program,” said Davis. “It’s great for residents, motivating us to make good food choices and exercise regularly.”
Another factor that plays a role in nutrition is the availability of a tablemate (or lack thereof). Dining alone for prolonged periods can affect one’s appetite. It can also be mentally and physically unhealthy. Not surprisingly, enjoying a meal with at least one other person increases the amount of food eaten by 35 percent!
The Carlisle’s flexible 12-hour dining means residents can dine at their convenience, and meet up with friends and neighbors. The Carlisle Room, renowned for its extensive menu, offers a complimentary full breakfast plus a choice of lunch or dinner daily, included in the community’s monthly fee.
Families are also encouraged to dine at The Carlisle. The community’s themed dinner parties and socials, which are held throughout the month, are a great alternative for residents who regularly hosted family gatherings in their former homes.
The Carlisle’s monthly, “Let’s Dish” program offers yet another way for residents to engage with each other and with Chef Perez. It is during these sessions that Carlisle residents can learn about recipes that are being considered as upcoming menu choices, share their own personal recipes and learn about healthy food options to incorporate into their diets.
“Food plays an important role in the lives of our residents,” said The Carlisle’s Executive Director Bill Diamond. “As we age, our bodies process food differently. This, in turn, can affect our dietary needs, appetite and even how food tastes. Our executive chef and his team strive to help residents maintain a well-balanced diet using the freshest, seasonal ingredients and create a dining experience that is on-par with the fine restaurants for which Naples is known.”
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and a complimentary full breakfast plus choice of lunch or dinner in the community’s gourmet-style restaurant. For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.srgseniorliving.com