It’s not always easy to eat healthily. We live in a world where cheaper, faster food is often more affordable.
If you want to eat healthier you have to be more mindful of what you’re eating. It’s not as simple as choosing items that are more affordable, easier, or better tasting. We have to be thoughtful. But that’s not a bad thing.
Knowing what you’re putting into your body is important because good nutrition helps reduce the risk of illness, allows us to stay more independent, and even improves the way we feel overall.
So, what are the basics of healthy eating?
As a senior, it’s important for you to have enough fiber, vitamin D, and calcium in your diet. Fiber helps you maintain healthy digestion and it may even help lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, lessen inflammation, and more! Let’s move on to vitamin D. When your skin absorbs sunshine, it converts it to vitamin D. But as you get older, your skin doesn’t do this as well as it used to. If you’re wondering if you’re low on vitamin D, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
Those aren’t the only nutrients you should focus on, though. You should be aiming for a well-balanced diet that includes lean proteins (i.e. beans, fish, peas, nuts, low-fat cheese, or chicken breast) and various fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and antioxidants. It’s best to stick to good fats as opposed to bad fats and to choose foods and drinks that are lower in sugar and sodium. When choosing which carbs to eat, be sure to gravitate toward whole grains (which are high in fiber) instead of foods made with white flour (which can metabolize fast and increase your blood sugar).
When considering what to eat, remember that whole foods tend to be the best option. Processed foods, on the other hand, are often filled with things that aren’t necessarily good for your body. Any time you buy food, check the nutrition label to ensure it is a good choice. If you’re curious about what your plate should look like, check out MyPlate. It can help you determine how much of each category of food you should be eating per meal.
Beyond food, you need to think about what you’re drinking. Staying properly hydrated is important. When it comes to drinks, the best beverages for hydration are water, coffee, and brewed tea. It’s a good idea to keep sugary beverages to a minimum.
We know it can take some time to adjust to eating healthy, but the effort is worth it as it can help you feel better for longer. Just remember, that diet choices may be impacted by certain health conditions, so it’s important to talk with a medical provider about what diet is best for you.