Nutrition Tips for Healthy Ageing

The secret to healthy ageing is on your plate… that’s right—what you eat can greatly influence the way you age! So, here are some easy nutrition tips to keep you fit and healthy in your later years.

Keep it Whole

Did you know processed foods often contain a heap of extra salt, sugar, and saturated fat, contributing to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and increased weight? That’s why our first nutrition tip is to swap processed foods for whole foods. What is a whole food, you ask? Well, it’s in the name. Whole food is essentially food that is as close to its natural state as possible. Think vegetables, lean meats, fish, and more. Not only do these foods contain less nasty stuff, but they actually contain more vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants than processed foods on average. Swap the processed foods for fresh and healthy fruit and veg and your body will thank you!

Stay Hydrated

We all know the importance of drinking plenty of water, but are you hitting your recommended daily intake (3.4 litres) every day? As we age, we might not feel thirsty as often, but our need for hydration doesn’t decrease. Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep our skin supple, aids digestion, and ensures our organs work smoothly. If you forget to drink water, try carrying a water bottle as an easy reminder, and make hydration a habit!

FYI—coffee and sugary drinks don’t count! Plain water is best. But, if you need a flavour hit, try herbal tea or add lemon juice and cucumber to your H2O.

Prioritise Protein

Protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass, repairing tissues, and supporting overall body function. And as we get older, we need to eat 50% more protein per kilo of body weight (compared to young adults) to see the same effect. But even though we need to eat more protein than we did when we were younger, we tend to eat less. So, make sure to incorporate a variety of protein sources into your diet every day, if possible! Great protein-rich foods include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and nuts. For the vegetarians or vegans out there, there are plenty of plant-based protein options to keep you going. Remember, like a machine, your body needs good fuel (like protein) to work properly!

Note: always consult your GP before making any changes to your diet.

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