The Benefits of Healthy Eating As You Age

 

Healthy eating is important at any age but, becomes even more so as we reach midlife and beyond. As well as keeping your body healthy, eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be about dieting and sacrifice. Rather, it should be all about enjoying fresh, tasty food, wholesome ingredients, and eating in the company of friends and family.

In this blog post, we discuss the simple and impactful benefits of eating health along with sharing some easy, tasty and healthy recipes you can add into your meal rotation.

The Benefits of Healthy Eating as you age - Conlin Health Care Home Care Services

No matter your age or your previous eating habits, it’s never too late to change your diet and improve the way you think and feel. Improving your diet now can help you to:

Live longer and stronger

Good nutrition can boost immunity, fight illness-causing toxins, keep weight in check, and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, bone loss, and cancer. Along with physical activity, a balanced diet can also contribute to enhanced independence as you age.

Sharpen your mind

People who eat fruit, leafy veggies, and fish and nuts packed with omega-3 fatty acids may be able to improve focus and decrease their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidant-rich green tea may also enhance memory and mental alertness as you age.

Feel better

Wholesome meals can give you more energy and help you look better, resulting in a boost to your mood and self-esteem. It’s all connected—when your body feels good, you feel happier inside and out

That’s why we’ve compiled a few simple recipes for caregivers or seniors who are looking for tasty, but also healthy foods.

Recipe #1

Healthy Fluffy Spinach & Mushroom Omelette

Spinach and Mushroom Omelette Recipe

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs, yolks and whites separated

  • 1 tbs reduced-fat milk

  • olive or canola oil spray

  • 4 button mushrooms, sliced

  • 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves

  • 1 tbs reduced-fat cheddar cheese, grated

  • 1 tbs chives, chopped

  • pepper, to taste

Steps

  1. Place the egg yolks in a medium bowl. Add the milk and mix well.

  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft meringue-like peaks are formed. Gently fold egg whites into the egg yolk mixture and set aside.

  3. Spray a small non-stick frying pan with oil and place over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook on medium heat for 3 minutes until softened. Add baby spinach and cook for a further minute until wilted. Remove from pan and wipe pan clean.

  4. Spray pan again and return to medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes or until surface is nearly firm. Sprinkle the cheese, mushrooms, spinach and pepper over half the omelette, then old over the other side to enclose the filling.

Recipe #2

Black Bean Chili

Black Been Chili Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

  • 2 cups or 1 15 oz can black beans

  • 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes

  • 1/2 cup cilantro

  • 1 TBS chilli powder

Steps

  1. Chop onions and mince garlic and let sit for at least 5 minutes to enhance their health-promoting properties.

  2. Place all ingredients (except cilantro) in a pot, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.

  3. Top with cilantro and serve.

recipe #3

Shrimp Fried Rice

Ingredients

Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided

  • 4 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 3 cups cold cooked rice

  • 1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables

  • 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

  • 8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, optional

Steps

  1. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Pour eggs into skillet. As eggs set, lift edges, letting uncooked portion flow underneath. Remove eggs and keep warm.

  2. Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Add the rice, vegetables and shrimp; cook and stir for 5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink

  3. Meanwhile, chop eggs into small pieces. Return eggs to the pan; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with bacon if desired.

Nutrition should be a priority in yours and your loved ones lives. But life can get hectic and and proper eating can take a back seat. Contact us today to learn how our home care team can improve eating habits for those who need it.

 
Andrew LangloisConlin Health Care, Inc.