Everybody loves food, and choosing to eat healthy food is the foundation of any healthy and fit individual out there because the saying “you are what you eat” remains faithful and steadfast no matter where you go in life. And, luckily enough, more and more people are becoming conscious of their everyday foodie decisions, with a lot more households actively making the decision to eat healthily and setting aside less nutrient-dense options like fast food and ready-to-eat meals.
However, one aspect of healthy eating that often doesn’t get the spotlight is a senior’s evolving diet, and why they should adapt to the changing needs of their body as they enter their golden years. And so, to help fill this gap in knowledge and raise awareness, today we’ll be going over why a senior’s diet changes so drastically and just what their plate should look like as they embrace the elderly life.
Your Younger Self Vs. Now
As you can probably tell, your body and dietary requirements are now a far cry from what your younger self used to crave for every single day; therefore, don’t expect to be eating as much or be constantly looking for the next meal. Aging comes with many changes, and what your body asks for also changes in direct correlation to everything else that’s transforming inside your right now.
- Lower Caloric Needs: Firstly, the most evident and easily noticeable change is your lower caloric needs. You won’t be moving as much as before, and because of that, your body won’t be begging for the same amount of energy stores to be backed up for very tiresome activities. So, don’t be ashamed of eating much less because it’s only reasonable for you not to demand as much food.
- Saying Goodbye To A Big Appetite: Secondly, you’ll find it quite surprising that working up a big appetite will become much more complicated the older you get. Unlike before, where you would be capable of eating a horse right after a grueling workout or busy day, you won’t feel the hunger as much now and even experience a much slower metabolism. In fact, when you finally sit down to eat at the table, you won’t be eating the same portions and might even consider yourself full just after a few servings.
- Age-Related Medical Conditions: Lastly, there is a myriad of age-related medical conditions that will inevitably happen, and while most people associate old age with osteoporosis and weaker joints, a number also directly affects your ability to eat well. Of course, everyone endures different kinds of medical conditions, so it’s impossible to account for everything, but to change your diet is a universal need in such circumstances.
Here’s What You Should Be Putting On Your Plate
With those reasons mentioned above, we hope you understand the need for changing your diet and just how important a role healthy eating plays the older you become. On the brighter side of things, finding healthy food to put on your plate isn’t that difficult to achieve, and we strongly recommend that you follow these three specific guidelines:
#1 Plenty Of Fruit And Leafy Vegetables
Number one, we suggest that you add plenty of fruit and leafy vegetables to your diet because this is the most accessible and easiest way of providing your body with nutrient-dense food options. Just a banana or a couple of slices of apples will do you plenty in terms of vitamins and minerals for the day. In addition to this, a caesar salad is also easy to make with the right recipe, and with a bit of practice, you might even pass off as a Michelin star chef.
#2 Choose Quality Lean Protein Sources
Number two, although you won’t be pumping iron and heading to the gym as much in your golden years, choosing to eat quality lean protein sources is a lifestyle that you must continue. And since aging bodies can’t really muster up the same amount of energy to process protein to preserve muscle mass and promote bone health, ensuring your body gets the protein it needs is essential to living healthy.
#3 Stay Hydrated And Take Your Supplements
Number three, since you’ll find it difficult to complete your plate with all the nutrients your body needs, we recommend that you always remain hydrated and take supplements to meet those daily dietary needs. Water goes a long way in not only keeping you healthy but maintaining that youthful glow to your look. Plus, even professional dental care such as JC Dental & Implant Studio will agree that supplements like calcium and vitamin D will keep your smile healthy for a lifetime.
With Age Comes Extra Challenges, But None Are Impossible To Overcome
In conclusion, growing older comes with a few extra challenges in your diet; however, none of these challenges are impossible to overcome. So, take our advice to heart, and we can guarantee you that healthy living is more than possible even in your golden years.
