Nutrition Plays a Key Role in Healthy Living- Especially for Older Adults

A balanced diet is critical when it comes to ensuring that your body gets the nutrients that it needs to fun
ction at its best. The body requires carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water but the amount that you need changes as you get older. Our bodies are ever changing which is why proper nutrition should always be top of mind.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here are 5 easy ways you can improve your nutritional choices:

1. Eat low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods

• Fruits and vegetables contain many nutrients- especially those that are brightest in color! Incorporating more fruits and veggies in your diet can be one of the easiest ways that you can improve your overall health
• Whole grains, whole-wheat bread and brown rice are better choices than white-bread or white rice so be mindful the next time you go grocery shopping as these simple changes can have a great impact on how you feel
• Dairy, though tasty, isn’t great for a healthy diet but you don’t have to avoid it like the plague! Opting for fat-free or low-fat milk and cheese or even soy milk or rice milk with Vitamin D and Calcium added are a few ways you can enjoy the comforts of dairy without it interfering with your healthy lifestyle
• Seafood, lean meat, poultry, and eggs are nutritious and can be made delicious with seasoning and healthy oils
• Beans, nuts and seeds make for great snacks and contain healthy fats

2. Avoid foods with little nutritional value that add to your daily calorie intake

• Processed foods, chips, candy, sweets, soda, and alcohol have a high salt and sugar content. When you consume these foods, you are racking up “empty” calories that can adversely affect your health

3. Choose foods that are low in cholesterol and fat

• Foods that are high in cholesterol and high in saturated or trans fats can be detrimental to your health as they can contribute to high blood pressure, plaque build-up in arteries, weight issues etc.

4. Stay hydrated

• Some people lose their sense of thirst as they get older which is why it is vital that you stay hydrated by increasing your water intake. Though they may be a bit more costly than regular water, some brands of water (such as CORE, Essentia and Smart Water) even have electrolytes added which is even better so try to make a conscious effort to add these to your grocery list!

5. Take a multi-vitamin

• As we age, it becomes harder for our bodies to absorb vitamins from foods which is why it is recommended by health professionals that individuals over the age of 50 take a multi-vitamin. Men and women have different needs so there are multi-vitamins created specifically for these needs. There are many over-the-counter multi-vitamins to choose from so if you are wondering which multi-vitamin is best for you, consult with your physician or local pharmacist and seek their professional guidance.