Healthy eating is essential to maintaining a good health and general well-being. Following a nutritious diet is even more important when you get older, as it will ensure that you are healthy and able to fight off illness and disease. Following a balanced diet can be more challenging when you get older. You may struggle to get to the grocery store regularly or you can find it difficult to prepare nutritious home-cooked meals. Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to ensure that your diet is healthy and nutritious at any age. Here are four steps for healthy eating when you’re older.
Step 1: Eat plenty of fiber
Unfortunately, bowel problems often affect the elderly, and many older people suffer from uncomfortable issues like constipation. Increasing your fiber intake is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your digestive system runs smoothly.
According to Cash Lady: “Great sources of fiber include wholegrain cereal, porridge, wholegrain bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, and pulses.” Try to include plenty of these foods in your daily diet, especially if you are suffering from irregularity when it comes to your bowel movements. You can also take a daily fiber supplement to increase your intake if you are struggling to eat the recommended amount of fiber each day.
Step 2: Plan easy to prepare meals
Preparing home-cooked meals can become more difficult as you get older, particularly if you have health issues or limited mobility. Reduce the amount of time you spend in the kitchen and make cooking more convenient by planning easy-to-prepare meals. Experts at care.com recommend the following quick and healthy recipes for elderly people: “warm oatmeal with berries, salmon wrap, southwest chicken salad, and shrimp with pasta.” You can make cooking even more convenient by preparing your meals in bulk. Make extra and then store leftovers in secure containers in the fridge or freezer to reheat during the week. You can also use a vacuum sealer to extend the shelf life of various food items and meals.
Step 3: Avoid skipping meals
Many elderly people discover that they lose their appetite as they get older. However, you must still aim to eat three balanced meals a day and avoid skipping meals. Missing meals will make it more difficult for your body to get all the nutrients that it needs to be healthy. This can lead to various health issues such as weight loss, anemia, and malnutrition. If you don’t feel like eating a large meal, then snack on small portions of nutritious foods like fruit slices, nuts, and toast with a boiled egg.
Step 4: Take a daily supplement
Taking a daily supplement can be a great way to improve your diet, especially if you have a low appetite and aren’t eating a lot. Taking a high-quality multivitamin will help to ensure that your body is getting the recommended nutrients and minerals to support good health. Most seniors can also benefit from taking a Vitamin D and a fish oil supplement daily.
