For seniors who want to make the most of active independent living, having a healthy diet is imperative. If you take care of your body, you can keep doing the things you love and enjoy without problems. There are just a few rules to incorporate into your lifestyle and food choices to make sure you always feel your best.

Diet Tips for Active Senior Living

1. Accept Only Whole Grain

Rice, pasta, cereal, and bread are all wonderful for you...as long as they’re whole grain. The risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers and chronic diseases are all reduced by a diet that embraces whole grains, which are rich in antioxidants, fiber, protein, B vitamins, and other essential minerals.

2. Consume Dairy Products

Since vitamin D is indispensable for strong bones, especially as you grow older, be sure to have recommended amounts of yogurt, cheese, and milk. These also provide other important minerals, like potassium, calcium, protein, zinc, and magnesium. If you’re buying fat-free or low-fat versions of dairy products, be sure to do a little research first to make sure it’s actually healthier—this often isn’t the case.

3. Eat Fruits & Vegetables of Every Color

All fruits and vegetables contain a variety of health benefits, though the non-starchy vegetables are especially helpful. They won’t turn into sugar, which can hurt your teeth when consumed in large amounts. Still, a little of everything is crucial for an optimal diet. Since these foods are often portable, try munching on fruit while taking a 30-minute walk every day. Healthy eating works best to support independent living when supplemented by regular physical activity.

4. Drink Water & Other Liquids

The importance of staying hydrated can’t be overstated. This helps your joints, brain, spinal cord, body temperature, blood pressure, and digestive system continue functioning properly as well as keeping your weight down and getting rid of kidney stones. Drink lots of water by itself while still indulging in the daily cup of tea or coffee. 

5. Diversify Your Protein

Keep your protein lean and varied, as different protein sources have their own additional benefits. For example, beans, chicken, and fish both decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer, though beans also contain antioxidants, fish lowers cholesterol, and chicken aids weight loss. Eggs are packed with vitamin B and other crucial minerals. 

6. Focus on Healthy Fats

Yes, you can eat fat—but only the healthy kind. In addition to lowering cholesterol and inflammation while preventing heart disease, healthy fats optimize brain and nervous system functions, all necessary for independent living. Avocados, nuts, oil, and fatty fish like salmon, trout, sardines, and albacore tuna, among others, are all excellent sources of healthy fat.

Enjoy healthy diets with other seniors maximizing their independent living at Cathedral Towers in Atlanta, GA. This senior apartment community lets you mingle with other people who are also enjoying their golden years and are equally committed to remaining self-reliant in their retirement. The facility is located in the heart of Midtown and features beautiful gardens and easy access to city sights. To find out more about your independent housing options, call (404) 231-3020 or message them online.