Healthy eating is the key to aging well. It lets you stay healthy and strong while also maintaining your independence and quality of life. If you are looking to age gracefully throughout your golden years, we have collated a list of tips for healthy eating for older adults to help you protect your overall well-being.
The Importance of Healthy Eating
Healthy eating can help you to maintain a healthy weight. This is important to prevent a series of medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases. Healthy eating also promotes and protects your health and well-being so you can get out and about with your daily routine with ease. By eating healthy, essential nutrients will be supplied to ensure you have adequate energy to handle your day-to-day tasks. You can also prevent muscle and bone loss which reduces your risk of breaking your bone or falling.
Tips for Healthy Eating
Cooking healthy food does not need to be difficult, expensive, or time-consuming. You can take the following tips into consideration to help you maintain healthy eating habits as you age.
A Variety of Foods
Your body may need much lesser food with age, but that should not stop you from fulfilling your daily nutritional needs. Eat a variety of foods that are packed with nutrients to ensure your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs to support your bodily functions. Choose fruits and vegetables, protein foods, and whole-grain foods that you have always enjoyed. Canned and frozen options are just as healthy while being much easier to prepare. You can spice things up by adding herbs and spices to replace salt for flavor.
Drink Water
It is normal for you to feel less thirsty as you age, but remember to drink regularly whether or not you feel the thirst. Drink a small amount of water each time throughout the day to stay well hydrated and drink more during each meal and snack. Remember to only drink water to quench your thirst and reduce your intake of sweetened beverages.
Shop For 1 or 2
It may be a challenge to go grocery shopping for just 1 to 2 people. Before heading out, think about the meals and snacks that you would like to eat so you can plan ahead. Make a grocery list so you can remember what you had planned. There are many healthy options that can still be affordable and some grocery stores even offer discounts for older adults. To enjoy even more convenience, try out online grocery shopping.
Cooking for 1 or 2
If you used to always cook for a bigger family, you may find it difficult to just cook for 1 to 2 people. When you have the most energy, prepare meals in larger portions and freeze up the leftovers. These leftovers are great for when you feel tired to cook or just do not have the time to spare. You can also alternate a cooking day with a friend or neighbor. This will further expand your variety of healthy foods without having to spend twice the effort.
