Foods to eat in your senior years

LAST week I spoke about looking after your health in your senior years. This week I will talk about some foods that would be good to include in your diet to optimise your health.

I am aware that some of you live alone, and are not interested in cooking meals every day. But, it is important that you continue to eat regularly. If you don’t you may notice that you actually don’t feel hungry at all, or you feel nauseous when you do eat. You can create a vicious cycle quite quickly and it’s easy to get into the habit of not cooking, especially when it’s only for one.

Porridge is a fantastic breakfast. You can add things to it to make it richer in nutrition. Flax can help with constipation and provide essential omega 3 oils. Or add Lecithin granules, these support brain health, and aid cholesterol reduction. Fruit will add Vitamin C.

For dinner cook up a large pot of stew, or a casserole. These can be stored so that you don’t have to cook every day.

Vegetables are extremely important as they provide vital nutrients including: potassium, magnesium, fibre, and folic acid, Vitamins A, E and C. Aim to include a wide variety of them in your diet, especially green leafy ones. Soup is a brilliant way to do this.

A tablespoon of

Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother can support digestion, ease aches and pains, help to reduce blood pressure, and support immunity.

Eggs are very versatile, as you can have them at any time of the day. They contain choline which is an essential nutrient that aids brain function and support memory.

Protein is important for muscles and skin. Aim to include meat, fish, eggs, nuts, beans and pulses, natural yoghurt, and cheese.

Water is essential, try to drink plenty to keep hydrated, warm water is better for you than cold.

And if you were to consider one vitamin it would be Vitamin D. It’s beneficial for the immune system, mood, and bone health and most people are deficient in it. We definitely don’t get enough sun!

A healthy diet, lifestyle and positive healthy attitude can help keep you well. So don’t give up on food it’s the staff of life.

Call into your local health store for some more tips on how to keep healthy.