Eating right is essential at every age, but even more so as we grow older. A proper diet can offer countless benefits such as improving heart health, preventing strokes, and improving memory. Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining an energized body and feeling good. One of the most important things to remember is always to maintain a well-rounded diet, even when making adjustments. As you set yourself up for success, be aware that you do not have to change everything all at once. Give yourself time to transition and adjust to a healthier diet.
Add More Fruits and Vegetables
Start by adding an array of color to your everyday meals. Brightly colored vegetables and fruits contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can take a boring dinner and liven it up by swapping rice and pasta for a colorful salad. Instead of going straight for a sugary snack right after, satisfy your sweet tooth with a mix of antioxidant-rich berries and almond slivers.
Become Aware of Your Food’s Ingredients
Read the nutrition labels. You should be aware of what ingredients you are putting in your body. The healthiest goods are whole foods such as produce, meat, and dairy, but when you do eat packaged products, be a smart shopper. Many manufacturers often hide large amounts of unhealthy ingredients in packaged food, so it’s always a good idea to take a look at the label and the ingredient list before making a purchase.
Drink Plenty of Water
Many fluids other than water have high sugar and salt concentration. Water makes up over 60% of our bodies, so it makes sense that it is an essential aspect of our health. Water helps by flushing out our systems of waste products and toxins. This can help with energy levels, headaches, and joint health. Be sure to drink small amounts of water to start your morning and throughout the day.
Healthy Switches to Make
As you age, your health should become even more of a priority. We encourage you to help your loved ones make healthy decisions and start making healthy diet habits of your own. At Evergreen Place Assisted Living and Evergreen Village Supportive Living, we provide the resources our seniors need to live happy and healthy lives. Our professional chefs prepare nutritious and delicious meals every single day to keep your loved ones satisfied. To learn more about our communities, give us a call! Contact Evergreen Place at (309) 451-9355 or Evergreen Village at (309) 452-7300, or take a virtual tour of our campuses!
