With so many temptations of fast food chains and the dozens of junk food products that line the grocery store shelves, it is no wonder we find it difficult to eat healthy. But what you eat or don’t eat now lays the foundation of your body’s health in the senior years. In fact, many of the age-related issues that seniors are forced to confront, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, actually begin in the early adult years. Some research has even found deposits of cholesterol in the arteries of teenagers and young adults.
That’s why it’s important for all of us to learn to eat the right foods to stay young and healthy. You don’t need to go on a complicated diet to achieve this, just begin by adding fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your daily menu. Most of them have no fat, cholesterol, or sodium, and are low in calories.
Here is a list of some age-defying foods that contain antioxidants, which fight off free radicals and also help prevent cancer from developing:
- plums
- cranberries
- strawberries
- raspberries
- pomegranates
- artichokes
- nuts
You can also add foods that contain essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and omega 6 to the list. As a substitute source for protein, consider eating pulses, beans, and lentils instead of red meat. White meats like chicken and turkey are better for you than the darker choices, and try to eat more fish!
Along with the tips above, it is always recommended that you drink more water. This will improve your skin, making it look better and younger. Water also cleanses the system and helps you stay hydrated.
Avoid foods that contain too much sugar, or ones that have a lot of empty calories. They will deplete your body of essential vitamins and minerals. White bread, for example, has no nutritional value. Overconsumption of these types of foods can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and can cause insulin peaks. These factors will contribute to your inability to stay active and look young as your body ages.
Instead of putting salt on your foods, try substituting herbs and spices whenever you can, and to quench your thirst throughout the day, water is a much better choice than soda or other soft drinks.
Start slowly, but you will find that it gets easier and easier to eat healthy and make better choices in your diet. Like everything else it just takes a conscious effort and practice, but the rewards will be worth it. Let’s face it, we all would like to be active, do the things we enjoy, and look great as we head into our advanced years of age. We only get one body, why not treat it right?
