Tips for Staying Healthy: Delay Aging by Staying Active and Eating Right
The most popular article on nutrition that Prime Women published in 2016 was entitled 7 Surprising Unhealthy Diet Foods. We all need reminding every now and then of healthy options and practices that keep us looking and feeling our best. Instead of focusing on don’ts, let’s take a look at some positive steps we can take.
Tips for Staying Healthy
DO: As we age, we can lose our sensitivity to thirst, but our bodies need hydration. Drink lots of water even if you’re not thirsty. We’ve all heard the 8 ounces of water 8 times a day rule. Water isn’t your favorite? Try an infuser and create taste combinations that appeal to you.
DO: Eat seafood twice a week. Another one of our tips for staying healthy comes from the Harvard School of Public Health, eating fish once or twice a week may also reduce the risk of stroke, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic conditions.
DO: Practice portion control. In a world where everything is supersized or the opposite, tiny servings artfully arranged by a Chef, how do you know what the right size is? The National Institute on Aging provides this guide on their website to help visualize proper portions in Eating Healthy After 50.
- 1 deck of cards = 3 ounces of meat or poultry
- Half baseball = half cup of fruit, rice, or pasta
- 1 baseball = 1 cup of salad greens
- 4 dice = 1½ ounces of cheese
- Tip of your first finger = 1 teaspoon of butter or margarine
- 1 ping-pong ball = 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 1 fist = 1 cup of flaked cereal or a baked potato
DO: MOVE! No list of tips for staying healthy would be complete without mentioning exercise. An object in motion stays in motion. Establish a routine to which you can commit. Remember, a good program combines aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching. IF you need some strength training ideas, we’ve got you covered with our Back to Basics: Beginner Arm Strength Training Exercises.
DO: Skip the prepared salads often loaded with hidden fats and calories. Your best bet is to make your own and keep the portion size in check.
DO: Start the day or refuel after a workout with a smoothie blended with fresh fruit and low-fat dairy. Beware the disproportionately large serving size some franchises offer.
DO: Check the label. Fat-free doesn’t always mean it’s your best option. Also consider and avoid high sodium, artificial ingredients, fillers and flavorings. For instance, if that “healthy” protein bar has more than 200 calories and 8 grams of sugar, it’s more of a candy bar!
Bottom line, natural foods are best and portion control is always key. Balance calories in and calories out and you’ll be back in those skinny jeans – or staying in them – in no time!
For more tips on staying healthy, read Secret to Getting Lean and Having More Energy.
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