Healthy eating can be easy, delicious, and keep you strong and energetic.

The importance to getting the best nutritional support is a vital way to protect your health as you age. Making good food choices will help you stay well in ways you might not expect. What's more, it's not difficult to do. Healthy eating can be easy, delicious, and go a long way toward keeping you strong and energetic.

Benefits of a Healthy Diet

As people age, their relationship to food can change. Appetite diminishes, and things may taste different than they used to. Sometimes eating becomes less enjoyable, which may lead you to invest less time and energy in choosing and preparing healthy foods. 

However, taking the time to get good nutrition is worth the effort. Not only will it help you have energy, but it will also help you maintain bone mass, lower your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, and possibly even reduce your risk of cancer. Eating right not only helps you live longer but also helps you have the best life possible. 

How to Choose the Right Foods

It's not necessary to formulate complicated meal plans. Here are some simple guidelines to help you make the best choices at every meal.  

• Try to make half of your meal fruit or vegetables.
• Select low-fat dairy products, such as yogurt or milk.
• Try to choose whole grains for at least half of the grains you eat.
• It helps to eat a variety of foods, to be sure you're getting a well-rounded selection of nutrients.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Be aware of portion sizes.

Each food group provides different nutrients, so it's important to include all of them. For a great tool to help you visualize what that looks like, the USDA has developed My Plate. This website provides illustrations of what a balanced meal includes, as well as food lists to serve as a guide and help you prepare a meal you'll enjoy.  

Eating Away From Home

Even when you're not at home you can make the choices that will help you feel your best. There are many fast food restaurants offering healthy menu options.  Making purposeful choices when you are eating away from home, you’ll be able it won't be difficult to assemble a nourishing meal. Keep a few tips in mind in choosing a healthy meal on the go.

• Have lots of vegetables. Swap a side of fries for a serving of vegetables.
• A salad entree is a great way to get a hearty serving of vegetables.
• Look for foods that have been prepared with less fat. These are generally described as "grilled" or "steamed" or "broiled."
• opt for whole grains. 
• Watch portion sizes. Restaurants tend to serve large portion sizes. Take a moment to decide what portion of the meal is a reasonable portion and set the rest aside.
• Ask for adjustments to make the meal healthier. Food can usually be prepared with less fat and salt if you ask.

Find Activity You’d Enjoy

Getting some exercise most days of the week is a great way to stay healthy. Exercise helps your body stay strong, maintaining bone and muscle mass, protecting your sense of balance, and keeping energy levels high. But it also helps maintain a positive mood and a clear head. And having regular exercise can stimulate a healthy appetite, making your nutritious meals taste even better.

If it sounds like a lot of work to exercise most days of the week, keep in mind that you don't have to do vigorous workouts. A mild level of exertion, such as walking briskly for 30 minutes will do the trick. The important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy and that fits with your lifestyle.

Talk To An Expert

If you have questions about nutrition, speak to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Not only are they a wealth of information an RDNs can offer practical advice on how to incorporate nutrition principles into your day-to-day life. They can help you develop a solid plan, taking into account your lifestyle, health needs, and preferences.

Good food choices are one important way to protect your health, no matter your age.

As a long term care and short term physical therapy provider in Georgia, we at Church Home Life Spring  provide a caring and supportive environment. Please contact us  if you have any questions regarding our services and our commitment to person centered care.