Sunday, March 9, 2008

Tips for Eating Right as You Age

Tips for Eating Right as You Age
As you begin to get older, it is going to become more and
more important that you eat right, since you need fewer
calories as you age. The choices you make in nutrition are
going to be so important, since you have few calories to
work with when making the right decisions. Making the wrong
choices when it comes to aging and nutrition can lead to
weight gain and even more health risks, so it's time that
you learn to eat right. Whether you need to lose a few
pounds, you want to eat to feel better, or you just want to
stay in good shape, it is imperative that you eat the right
foods and get as many nutritious foods as you can each day.
So, the following are a few tips for eating right as you
age that will help you make sure you get the proper
nutrition.

Tip #1 - Get Plenty of Protein - If you are going to eat
right and get the proper nutrition, you need to make sure
that you get plenty of protein in your diet. There are
plenty of foods out there that are rich in protein, and
eating the right foods are better than trying to take
protein supplements. While you don't want too much protein,
about two 3 oz servings of meat each day is about enough to
suffice. A few great foods that are great sources of
protein include chicken, beef, eggs, fish, cheese, pork,
and milk.

Tip #2 - Watch the Fat Intake - When it comes to aging and
nutrition, it is also important that you watch the fat
intake you get each day as well. While you do need some fat
in your food to stay healthy, you'll want to avoid too much
fat; in fact, only about 20-30# of your calories each day
should be calories from fat. On the other hand, diets that
are extremely low on fat can be bad for your body, since
they won't give you the nutrition that you need.

Tip #3 - Eat Carbs for Instant Energy - When you need
instant energy, carbohydrates are what you need, as well as
fiber. In order to get the nutrition you need, about 55-60%
of your daily caloric intake should be carbohydrates,
although you want to get most of this from whole grains,
vegetables, and fruits as well. While a bit of sugar and
refined carbs are okay, you'll want to do your best to eat
right and get the best nutrition possible by eating
healthier carbs. The fiber is specifically important, since
it helps you make sure you have plenty of good bacteria
inside your intestinal tract. You can find fiber in foods
such as corn, brown rice, oatmeal, strawberries, bran
cereal, whole grain breads, apples, and carrots.

Tip #4 - Meet Your Vitamin Needs - As you get older, you'll
need to eat right to make sure that you get plenty of the
important vitamins your body needs. Vitamin A is important
and you can find it in milk, eggs, fish oils, and liver,
although you can get other forms of the vitamin from eating
carotenoids, including carrots, Brussels sprouts, pumpkin,
red and green peppers, cantaloupe, and mangos. Some of the
other important vitamins you need for proper nutrition
include Vitamin B6, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12, Choline,
Folate, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

Tip #5 - Eat to Get Important Minerals - Minerals are very
important when it comes to aging and nutrition, although
you don't hear as much about them as you do vitamins.
However, they are extremely important to seniors. Calcium
is important if you are going to avoid osteoporosis,
chromium can help with weight regulation and blood sugar
regulation, iron is important, magnesium helps to
supplement the bones, and potassium, selenium, and zinc are
other important minerals that you need to get in your diet
on a regular basis to feel and look your best.

It is important that you eat right as you age, and the
right foods can provide you with the nutrition that you
need each day. Make the most of what you eat, and remember
that aging and nutrition should go hand in hand if you want
to live out a long and healthy life.


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Ron Godlewski has written many articles on health,
wellness, and maintaining vitality as we fight the effects
of aging and while we are dieting. Check out
http://www.pillfreesupplements.com where you will find more
articles and information on how you can actually improve
your general health while making your lifestyle changes.

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