A balanced diet is a critical component of achieving a long and happy life. Many healthy eating tips are generalized for all adults, but as your primary care physician will tell you, what was healthiest for you years ago may not be ideal now. Take note of the following dietary tips to help you maintain the proper balance of nutrients.

How to Eat Healthy as You Age

1. Focus on Essential Nutrients

When planning your meals, you should have a good mix of the main food groups. Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat or fat-free dairy. Older adults are at a higher risk of high blood pressure, so cut back on sodium. Increase your intake of vitamin D, which helps support strong bones and muscles, as well as fiber, which benefits digestive health and can help lower high cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

2. Check Food Labels

For most adults, healthy eating starts at the grocery store. You should aim to eat as much fresh food as possible. However, when packaged foods are more practical, take a careful look at their contents. Inspect the nutrition labels and select foods that are lower in fat, sodium, and added sugars.

3. Follow Recommended Serving Sizes

How much you need and want to eat changes as you age. In order to maintain a healthy weight, you should try to follow your suggested serving sizes. This is different for every individual, depending on your current weight, health, and activity level. Be sure to discuss healthy portion sizes with your primary care physician or dietitian.

4. Cope With Age-Related Obstacles

Many seniors face age-related health issues that make eating well challenging. In these instances, it is crucial that you communicate your difficulties with your primary care physician. Many medications can lower appetite as a side effect, so if you find yourself eating too little, talk to your doctor about adjusting doses or changing your prescription. For digestive issues that make it harder to process certain vitamins and minerals, ask about taking supplements.

5. Make Gradual Changes

Sudden and extreme changes in your diet are not recommended, as they can cause problems like unintentional weight loss. Transitioning to a healthier diet should take time. For example, you can start by adding a salad to every dinner, eating fruit for dessert, or replacing salt with other seasonings to flavor your food.
 

If you need a primary care physician who can keep up with your developing needs, turn to HDR Healthcare Network. This medical center offers a wide range of services for patients of all ages, from pediatrics and sports physicals to diabetic care and home health services. Their compassionate team is committed to providing professional education, prevention services, and medical treatment to patients across Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Call (929) 256-5005 today to schedule an appointment. To learn more about their services, visit them online.