What we eat matters. At any age, a healthy lifestyle truly begins with what we put in our mouths. Food can help give us energy, immunity and a healthy glow as well as the needed nutrients for physical health.
As we age, physical changes and personal circumstances can make healthy eating an ever-increasing challenge. What once seemed to work for weight management, for example, may no longer be effective in losing or maintaining weight. Age-related physical ailments only add to the challenge by inhibiting physical activity in many older adults. Experiences like the loss of a spouse or independence can lead to a lack of interest in self-care, including eating well.
So how do we choose the right diet in our golden years? According to experts, the best and easiest answer is to limit fatty proteins and sugar while adding more fruits and vegetables. But here are some other tips that can a long way toward maintaining a healthy diet:
Fill up on Fiber. Whole grains and raw fruits and veggies will add fiber which helps with the digestive system.
Pick the right fats. The American Heart Association recommends choosing salmon or cod at least twice a week to meet the requirements of Omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming olive oil, avocados and walnuts can also help reduce fat intake while providing the benefits of these healthy fats.
Limit salt and white foods. Too much salt and foods like white breads, rice and potatoes provide no long term health benefits.Substitute whole grains, brown rice and garlic and onion salts for better alternatives.
Max out on Vitamin D. Sunlight, canned tuna and egg yolks have this important nutrient in common and should be enjoyed often!
On our next blog entry, we’ll talk about prescriptive diets and whether they should be considered if older adults want to lose weight.
As we age, physical changes and personal circumstances can make healthy eating an ever-increasing challenge. What once seemed to work for weight management, for example, may no longer be effective in losing or maintaining weight. Age-related physical ailments only add to the challenge by inhibiting physical activity in many older adults. Experiences like the loss of a spouse or independence can lead to a lack of interest in self-care, including eating well.So how do we choose the right diet in our golden years? According to experts, the best and easiest answer is to limit fatty proteins and sugar while adding more fruits and vegetables. But here are some other tips that can a long way toward maintaining a healthy diet:
Fill up on Fiber. Whole grains and raw fruits and veggies will add fiber which helps with the digestive system.
Pick the right fats. The American Heart Association recommends choosing salmon or cod at least twice a week to meet the requirements of Omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming olive oil, avocados and walnuts can also help reduce fat intake while providing the benefits of these healthy fats.
Limit salt and white foods. Too much salt and foods like white breads, rice and potatoes provide no long term health benefits.Substitute whole grains, brown rice and garlic and onion salts for better alternatives.
Max out on Vitamin D. Sunlight, canned tuna and egg yolks have this important nutrient in common and should be enjoyed often!
On our next blog entry, we’ll talk about prescriptive diets and whether they should be considered if older adults want to lose weight.