Create a Picture of Successful Nutrition

Visualize yourself in a healthy body with an improved immune system to help you heal and fight off disease. Give yourself more energy, sharper mental acuity and a happier outlook on life. Now you can make it happen with the food you eat!

As we age, our need for nutrition changes. If you are eating the same way that you did in your 20s (a burger and fries), you could be shortchanging your body. The watchwords for senior nutrition are eating natural foods. Up your consumption of fruits and vegetables, avoid fried or fatty foods and empty calories.

Don’t go on a diet if you are overweight, just eat healthier and increase your physical activity to take off pounds. Be less restrictive on yourself, eating the healthy foods you love at the times that you feel hungry for them. If you want a hearty soup with a sandwich for breakfast and traditional breakfast fare for dinner, eat as your body dictates. Also, you may want to eat more frequent, but smaller meals.

If you suffer loss of appetite, add spices (except salt) to your food, prepare the entrée a different way (not fried), or invite a friend to eat with you. In general, eat more fiber (whole grains), less salt and sugar, more calcium and vitamin D, and increase your water intake.

Above all, think positive and visualize your goal -– whether it is to gain strength for greater mobility, live longer to enjoy time with your loved ones, or maintain greater independence. Maybe it is all three; look forward to better nutrition for a more enjoyable and active life.