Health Tip: More Than You Can Chew

(HealthDay News) -- If you develop trouble chewing, it's important to make sure you are still getting each day's worth of vital nutrients.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers these suggestions to help you maintain a healthy diet as you age:

• Instead of trying to munch on raw fruits, opt for fruit juice and canned fruits. Raw fruit alternatives include canned pears and peaches, or applesauce.
• Trade raw vegetables for vegetable juice and softer cooked vegetables, which can be creamed or mashed.
• Opt for ground meat, or get protein from easier-to-chew sources such as eggs and dairy products, including milk, cheese and yogurt.
• As alternatives to bread, eat cooked cereals, bread pudding and rice.