National Nutrition Month
We’ve all been told to eat healthy throughout our lives and it is very important, but sometimes it’s not always easy. March is National Nutrition Month and it’s a great time to start considering some changes to our diets that will improve our nutrition.
Although there are some basic principles to eating healthy that remain good advice no matter our age, what it takes to eat healthy can change slightly as we age. Our metabolisms slow down, the number of calories we need may change, and our bodies may require different nutrients. That’s why it’s so important to keep track of what you’re eating, how you’re feeling, and continuing to learn about your body’s needs as you grow.
Here are some tips on how to eat healthy as you age:
Learn what a healthy plate looks like:
For many years, the food pyramid was the standard view on healthy eating. Today, there is a new nutrition guide call Choose My Plate, published by the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. It is a simple circle/plate, that represents a healthy meal, including five good groups. ChooseMyPlate.gov give details about healthy eating, recipes, and can help you build a personal health plan based on your preferences, goals, and budget.
Read nutrition labels:
First, find items that fit your doctor’s recommendations. You also want to look for items that are lower in fat, added sugars, and sodium. Learn more about how to read labels and what is best for seniors at fda.gov/food/nutrition.
Portion control:
It’s important to follow the recommendations for daily servings to ensure you’re getting the right amount of nutrients. Eating too much or too little of any one food can lead to adverse effects. You can get more detailed information about proper serving amounts at heart.org.
Stay hydrated:
Water is so important to living a healthy lifestyle. And it’s an easy habit to build – simply drink more water! Drinking the proper amount of water consistently helps lubricate joints, boosts skin health, regulates body temperature, helps maintain blood pressure, and so much more. You get so many benefits from water, it’s worth the extra trips to the bathroom.
This National Nutrition Month, we challenge you to learn about your nutrition. What works best for you, what does your doctor recommend, what changes can you make to improve your health?
