As our bodies age, our metabolism tends to slow as our activity levels reduce and it is not uncommon to get a bit of a tummy. Stomach acid and saliva production are reduced making it more difficult for the body to process food. As a result, we are less able to obtain the nutrition from the foods we eat. In particular, we can easily become deficient in vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. As well, many enzymes and coenzymes that are essential building blocks of the body or digestive aids, are produced in far fewer numbers or in some cases are not produced at all. This can all sound a bit too scary, but don't worry. There are some simple steps you can follow to keep you healthy and your body functioning at optimal level.
Start your day with a balanced breakfast. Most people learn over the years that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but they don't take heed because it is also the busiest time of the day. Don't overload your plate with heavy fatty foods but keep the meal light and healthy. Fresh fruit, oatmeal, toast and a cup of coffee, decaffeinated preferred is a well balanced meal.
Create a fruit kabob made with a halved strawberry, small slices of cheese, and grapes as a snack for later in the morning. One of the keys to healthy living is the consumption of smaller more frequent meals. Since the digestive system slows, the smaller meal allows the food to be processed more easily. The more frequently you eat small meals, the more your blood sugar levels out and reduces the hunger pangs.
As well as a good breakfast and a healthy morning snack, a light lunch is important to keep you feeling well. Healthy wraps, salads and soups are good choices for your midday meal. However, it is a good idea to avoid creamed soups and other foods containing dairy. The body produces the enzyme lactase which is necessary to break down lactose or milk sugar. As you age, your body produces less lactase and consequently it becomes more difficult to digest milk products. Cheese which has been aged for more than sixty days contains a minimal amount of lactose and is usually fine.
Watch out for food allergies you never knew you had. Just like lactose intolerance, many food allergies aren't allergies at all but the body's inability to process certain foods. Gluten intolerance plays havoc on bodies and is seldom suspected until some bright physician asks just the right questions. Gluten is found in wheat and grain products like bread and vinegar.
To make sure your body is supplied with all the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to properly function, it is important to take a good quality daily supplement. Many companies sell combination of vitamins and minerals designed specifically for older people. Capsules are more easily absorbed than tablets. You can also purchase enzymes and coenzymes. CoQ10 is a coenzyme that is usually made by the human body and has been found to benefit people with damaged hearts, the onset of Alzheimer's or taking cholesterol lowering medication.
As you get older, try to keep your intake of processed sugar to a minimum. This means sugar in tea or coffee, cakes, cookies, and sweets. Satisfy your craving for sweets with fruit and you will be rewarded with good health and improved fitness. If you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, you will have more energy and feel a great deal better. Exercise can be as simple as going for a walk or having a swim.
Most of all stay active, positive and enjoy life. Sometimes a change of mind creates a completely new outlook. Focus on healthy eating as a challenge and develop interesting menus and new ways of looking at food. Remember, you are the power generation that changed the face of youth; it's time to change the face of aging.
Start your day with a balanced breakfast. Most people learn over the years that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but they don't take heed because it is also the busiest time of the day. Don't overload your plate with heavy fatty foods but keep the meal light and healthy. Fresh fruit, oatmeal, toast and a cup of coffee, decaffeinated preferred is a well balanced meal.
Create a fruit kabob made with a halved strawberry, small slices of cheese, and grapes as a snack for later in the morning. One of the keys to healthy living is the consumption of smaller more frequent meals. Since the digestive system slows, the smaller meal allows the food to be processed more easily. The more frequently you eat small meals, the more your blood sugar levels out and reduces the hunger pangs.
As well as a good breakfast and a healthy morning snack, a light lunch is important to keep you feeling well. Healthy wraps, salads and soups are good choices for your midday meal. However, it is a good idea to avoid creamed soups and other foods containing dairy. The body produces the enzyme lactase which is necessary to break down lactose or milk sugar. As you age, your body produces less lactase and consequently it becomes more difficult to digest milk products. Cheese which has been aged for more than sixty days contains a minimal amount of lactose and is usually fine.
Watch out for food allergies you never knew you had. Just like lactose intolerance, many food allergies aren't allergies at all but the body's inability to process certain foods. Gluten intolerance plays havoc on bodies and is seldom suspected until some bright physician asks just the right questions. Gluten is found in wheat and grain products like bread and vinegar.
To make sure your body is supplied with all the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to properly function, it is important to take a good quality daily supplement. Many companies sell combination of vitamins and minerals designed specifically for older people. Capsules are more easily absorbed than tablets. You can also purchase enzymes and coenzymes. CoQ10 is a coenzyme that is usually made by the human body and has been found to benefit people with damaged hearts, the onset of Alzheimer's or taking cholesterol lowering medication.
As you get older, try to keep your intake of processed sugar to a minimum. This means sugar in tea or coffee, cakes, cookies, and sweets. Satisfy your craving for sweets with fruit and you will be rewarded with good health and improved fitness. If you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, you will have more energy and feel a great deal better. Exercise can be as simple as going for a walk or having a swim.
Most of all stay active, positive and enjoy life. Sometimes a change of mind creates a completely new outlook. Focus on healthy eating as a challenge and develop interesting menus and new ways of looking at food. Remember, you are the power generation that changed the face of youth; it's time to change the face of aging.
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