The Simplest Guide to Nutrition

Why Nutrition Matters More As We Age

As our bodies get older, our nutritional needs change. Eating the right balance of foods can boost our energy levels, support brain health, maintain bone strength, and support a healthy weight. The extra attention to your diet now can lead to more vitality down the track.

The Basics to a Balanced Diet

The secret to effective nutrition? Keep it simple. A balanced diet includes:

• More Whole Foods – Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats! If it grows from the ground or has a small ingredient list, it’s a winner.
• Never Skip the Protein – Lean meat, eggs, beans, chickpeas and tofu to help maintain muscle.
• More Hydration – Water, herbal teas, and hydrating foods like watermelon keep your body (including your bowels) running smoothly.
• Portion Control, Without the Stress – How about opting for a smaller plate or serving size opposed to counting every calorie?

* You can find more information about Healthy Eating Guidelines on the Eat For Health Website here.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on the latest superfoods to eat healthily, most of these healthy foods that are recommended can easily be found in your local supermarket, and you don’t even need to waste time walking down every aisle. Here at Active and Ageless, we like to do what we call “Perimeter Shopping.”

What is Perimeter Shopping?

Whilst not a new concept, ‘Perimeter Shopping’ is where you should focus the majority of your food shopping. Have you ever noticed that fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh bread, meats, and dairy items are around the edges of the shops? While the highly processed and packaged foods with hard-to-pronounce ingredients that are high in simple sugars and sodium found in the aisles?
The further a food item is from its original form the harder it is for your body to digest and therefore to utilise as an effective and healthy source of energy. That’s why we like to stick to the fresh stuff on the perimeter. It’s the simplest guide to nutrition that’s out there.

And remember!

It is really important that know if you have any special diet-related medical issues that could be affecting your health, you should see a qualified dietician. Looking to partner your new nutritional habits with healthy movement? Contact us here at Active & Ageless.