Healthy Eating as You Age
By Sara Butler
No matter how old you are, healthy food choices are vital to your overall health and wellness. As you get older, your body changes, so it pays to make sure you’re giving your body what it needs as you move through every stage of life. Here are some tips to help you make good food choices as you get older.
Drink Plenty of Water
One of the side effects of aging is that you may lose at least some of your sense of thirst. This means that you must make a point to drink water more often, even if you don’t feel thirsty in order to stay hydrated. You can drink milk or juice as well, just make sure you limit the number of drinks you consume with added sugar since those aren’t great for you.
Get Social
Meals seem more enjoyable when you share them with others. Many older people may find themselves socially isolated, which is a problem. Feelings of loneliness aside, many older people may skip meals more often if they aren’t sharing them. So, get social! Get involved at your local senior center or invite friends to dinner at least twice a week. This will help you keep up your social connections and make delicious meals more fun with others to enjoy them with you.
Plan Your Meals
At the beginning of each week, it’s important to sit down and plan your meals out with nutrition in mind. Older people need to make sure they’re eating enough and they’re eating the right things. If you’re not sure what should be on your menu, then discuss options with a trusted medical professional -- like your chiropractor!
Go For Variety
When it comes to vegetables and fruits, don’t forget to eat the rainbow. If you can vary the colors of the foods you eat in a day, then it’s a simple way to ensure you’re getting the different nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
Experiment with Spice
Salt intake is something everyone should keep an eye on as they age, but it’s easy to cut down on salt by adding herbs and spices to your food instead. As you get older, your sense of taste and smell may be impacted. Medications can also change these senses. Combat that and keep salt intake under control by adding flavor with herbs and spices.
Eating healthy meals as you get older is important, so don't neglect your nutrition.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mukilteo, Wash.
