Platinum Author
Someone once said that it's not the "years in your life, but the life in your years" that matters. This seems particularly true when you think about health. Good health is one of those things that you take for granted when you have it, but miss it almost more than anything else when it's gone.
We're Not Getting Any Younger
As the population ages, and the percentage of people over the age of 60 increases, concerns for seniors are often at the forefront of the healthy eating debate. As we age, our bodies change and the necessity for eating healthy becomes more critical in order to avoid the problems that can plague older adults. These include vision and hearing loss, digestive troubles, senility, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Narrower Margin
Because our bodies are miraculous machines, we do have some margin in our lives for neglect, especially when we are young. We can overeat, under sleep, overstress, etc. and our bodies forgive us, make the adjustments, and go on.
But this is true only up to a point.
Of course, as we age, that tipping point gets closer and closer. Eventually, there is little or no margin left, and we have to pursue a healthy lifestyle or our bodies will fail.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do that will help your body stay healthy as you age. By making a few changes in the way you live, you can make a difference in the way you feel and the life in your years.
Healthy Eating Strategies for Seniors
*Eat nutritious foods and skip empty calories, including sugary and salty snacks.
*Eat a variety of fresh, whole foods emphasizing fresh or lightly cooked vegetables and lean proteins.
*Eat modest, regular meals and healthy snacks.
*Include 25-30 grams of fiber each day.
*Choose low-fat dairy products and leaner meats.
*Resist overeating, which taxes the digestive system.
*Get some Omega-3's each day from fish oil or freshly ground flax seed or walnuts.
*Eat organic foods when possible, especially when choosing dairy, meat and eggs.
*Stay active to help keep your digestive system running smoothly.
*Keep your weight at an appropriate level, being overweight puts stress on your joints and organs.
*Get some sunshine each day, if you can, to keep Vitamin D levels up.
*Enjoy your food and your life, and remember to nurture your mind and spirit.
A final note
Don't wait until you become a senior citizen to pay attention to your health. Begin early to pursue a healthy eating lifestyle, so that your golden years will be good years.
About this Author
I am convinced that what we eat and how we eat plays a major role in how we feel and particularly, how well we are. For this reason, I would like as many people as possible to become more aware of what healthy eating involves, and of the extreme benefits that can be found in being conscious of what and how we eat.
Eat and be healthy with my warmest regards,
Suzy Staywell
Healthy-Eating-Support.org/Osteoporosis-Prevention
Healthy-Eating-Support.org/Healthy-Eating-Fiber.html
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