It can be hard to live a healthy lifestyle. Whether avoiding the temptation of vices or the gravitational pull of sugars and sweets, being “healthy” and staying “healthy” can feel like an uphill battle. Youth provides a degree of protection from the adverse effects of unhealthy living, as the body is better equipped to combat the effects of poor diet and decreased exercise. But eventually, the bill comes due. Heart disease, vitamin deficiencies, and high blood pressure all pose a significant risk to those who lack a nutritious, healthy, and balanced diet.
Many problems resulting from poor nutritional health can be resolved through treatment and hard work, but the risk posed by these issues becomes far more significant as age advances. It is always essential to consider one’s health a priority, but this can become extremely difficult for older adults with mobility and cognitive issues. Nutrition education counseling is a fantastic resource for those who are looking to improve their diet or are worried about the nutrition of a senior family member. For more information on this resource and others, contact the Westminster Place team via 903.329.6520, in person, or on our website.
What Are Some Good Nutrition Tips for Seniors?
Regardless of someone’s age, eating healthy can be a challenge. First, unhealthy food is often delicious. That devilish characteristic aside, however, healthy food can also be harder to obtain. That is not to say that healthy food is not tasty, but when comparing convenience, unhealthy foods (icons such as pizza, ice cream, and fast food) typically prove more appealing.
Many tips and tricks can be utilized when changing diets. One of the most straightforward strategies for improving nutrition is to find a diet best suits an individual’s needs and wants. For seniors, such a diet should be crafted by their primary care physician, as they may have specific dietary restrictions or medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Finding the proper diet can enhance overall health and improve various other conditions related to nutritional and vitamin deficiencies.
5 Nutrition Tips for Seniors
Focusing on nutrition is a great way to improve someone’s health. For those looking to improve their diet, consider the following tips and tricks:
Meal Planning
Eating healthy can be difficult when unprepared. Meal planning is a great way to ensure that vital nutrients, protein, and fiber are received regularly and can help avoid the intake of unhealthy foods or foods that violate dietary restrictions.
Nutrition Education
When creating a diet or planning meals for the week, one must know their body’s requirements and restrictions. To ensure that the body receives the nutrients required, speak to a specialist or primary care physician to learn what foods best fit a personal diet.
Healthy Snacks
Everyone gets the urge to snack every once in a while, but relying on surgery treats is the wrong way to go about things. Healthy snacks are a great energy source and can combat cravings in-between meal times.
Scheduled Meal Times
Just as vital as a consistent diet is a consistent meal schedule. A routine is a great way to ensure one does not veer off course of their diet, limiting cravings and the likelihood of overeating/binge-eating.
Exercise
One of the most significant benefits of a healthy diet is increased energy levels. This energy can be used in whatever way a person deems fit, but some should be put towards exercise. Similar to finding a diet, one must find a form of exercise that fits their needs and wants to stay motivated and fully enjoy the benefits of leading a healthy, nutritious life.
Nutrition Tips for Seniors to Stay Physically and Mentally Fit
While finding the proper diet is a significant step towards improving nutritional health, the real work comes when employing that diet and sticking to it. A common misconception is that following a diet means cutting out your favorite unhealthy foods. The key to a healthy diet is balance and motivation. Balance is demonstrated by incorporating foods that contain nutrients required for the body to function correctly.
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- amino/fatty acids
- dietary fiber
Incorporating these nutrients into an everyday diet can improve energy levels, mood, emotional regulation, and cognition, all of which are critical when trying to stay physically and mentally fit. Motivation can, unfortunately, wane in the face of a strict diet, which is why it is essential to stay motivated. Using one’s favorite foods as a reward for putting in the work and sticking to a diet is a great way to keep motivated while providing the body with a much-deserved treat.
Receive Nutrition Education Counseling at Westminster Place in Longview, Texas
Life is a journey of epic proportions. But as we age, certain aspects of life require increased attention. At Westminster Place, we have dedicated our facility to helping seniors live healthy, happy lives by providing an abundance of social and health-related resources. To schedule an appointment or speak to a specialist on nutrition tips for seniors, contact us today at 903.329.6520.