Nutrition and Activity
When it comes to healthy aging, nothing is more important than proper nutrition. To be sure, exercises and an active lifestyle are important but they will do you no good if your nutrition pattern prioritizes coffee and donuts over fruits and vegetables.
Luckily, there are many healthy foods that you can include into your diet to help you face old age with dignity rather than misery. Proper food is critical for healthy aging and in this article, you are going to learn what foods you can make a regular part of your diet if healthy aging is on the agenda.
First of all, it is important to understand that, in your 40s, your body needs fewer calories than it did in your 20s. Not only has your muscle mass started shrinking, but you probably also lead a much more passive lifestyle, spending more time in the office and at home than playing football or exercising. For this reason, it is very important that you choose low-calorie foods to reflect this new balance.
Now that we have decided we are going to cut down on our caloric intake as part of a healthy aging nutrition regimen, it is time to see what we can actually eat. Just like any other low-calorie diet, look for traditionally healthy foods, such as fish, salads, fruits and vegetables. Fast-foods and junk foods are taboo though they may taste nice, but they also contain an alarming amount of fat. You may have indulged yourself with those kinds of foods at 20 but now is the time to get serious about your health.
Complex carbohydrates are key to healthy aging, so it is important to focus on foods that contain those in abundance. Whole grains such as brown rice, oats and barley are terrific for this purpose, so try to include them into your diet as much as possible.
Nuts are great for their protein content, but do not each too much. They have a very high caloric content. Cutting down on alcohol, sugar and caffeine is also important as one ages, but these things in moderation are tolerable. After all, we do not want to take all the fun out of life. Quitting smoking, however, is essential to good health.
Water is the most essential element of proper nutrition when it comes to healthy aging sadly, it is often also the most overlooked. As you grow older, your kidneys will struggle to keep your body hydrated, which is why the FDA recommends that everyone drink at least six to nine glasses of water a day. Not only will it contribute to healthy aging in general, it will also make your skin look younger. Be sure to increase the amount of water you drink every day if you exercise which is another important element of healthy aging.
Your level of physical activity will determine the nutritional choices you make for healthy aging. Regular exercise, whether resistance or aerobic training, is essential for healthy aging, and your diet especially the amount of proteins and carbohydrates you consume should be suited to those needs.
For optimum health, the American Medical Association recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. The more active you are physically, the more calories you are going to need, but they should still come from healthy, low-fat foods.
As you can see, maintaining a proper pattern of nutrition for healthy aging is not all that difficult. As with any successful diet, the key is consistency and commitment. Remember that this is no longer about winning the Battle of the Bulge, but rather about winning the battle for a dignified and comfortable retirement that you can enjoy without the illnesses and diseases that afflict so many members of our aging population.
About the Author
Reuben John, is the author of the book on, Staying Healthy And Fit As You Age. He has trained thousands in Fitness, Exercise, Diet and Nutrition. Discover more little known secrets to staying youthful and energetic at http://www.healthwealthtreasury.com.