How I've stayed healthy at sixty!
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My passion for healthy eating began over four decades ago when I noticed my first teenage blemish. Yes, my significant life change was all due to a pimple! I stopped eating junk food and focused on nuts, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, and fish. After a while, not only was I feeling great, but I was loving what I was eating — and my skin was glowing!
Now, as I turn sixty, I believe those dietary changes are why I don't have the health issues I see around me. So what can you do to improve your eating habits? Should you be vegan, is Keto calling, or is Paleo the way to go? Well, the answer is there is no definitive answer! Diet (as in what we eat — not a temporary fix) isn't a "one size fits all" program. What works for one person may leave someone else feeling ghastly. |
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The key is to eat what you enjoy — in its healthiest form. When deciding what to eat, think "real" and "whole." Eat a piece of fruit instead of drinking fruit juice (which is missing essential fiber), and look for 100% whole grains when choosing bread or pasta. Egg yolks contain many nutrients (including hard-to-find vitamin D), so you'll be missing out if you don't eat the whole egg.
The latest studies show that whole milk may actually be better for you than the reduced-fat versions. And organic milk really is healthier than conventional milk. I'd also encourage you to look for pasture-raised, grass-fed labels. However, if milk is off the menu, you can get your daily calcium from other whole foods like almonds, chia seeds, white beans, and kale.
If you're avoiding gluten, many products are naturally gluten-free. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, poultry, and seafood are just a few examples. It's best to pass on the highly processed, less-healthy packaged goods. And if you aren't sensitive to gluten, you may want to ask yourself why you've banished it from your diet. Some gluten-free alternatives are less healthy than their regular versions (lacking essential nutrients and fiber). Unlike refined carbohydrates, whole-grain products can be very nutritious. I have a good friend who's convinced that the words "gluten-free" are synonymous with health — and folks, that just ain't so!
All vegetables are good for you, so eat the ones you like. Don't worry about what's a "superfood" right now — it's going to be a different one tomorrow!
If you're looking for a healthy lifestyle that's stood the test of time, I'd recommend going the Mediterranean way. I love that no food group has been excluded. Here are some general guidelines
This is more than a diet. It's a lifestyle where meals are unhurried and satisfying. And don't be afraid to treat yourself to the foods you really love. Self-denial will only make you crave something more. Just remember, a taste can be as good as a splurge!
And finally, there is one subject that almost everyone agrees upon: too much added sugar is detrimental to our health. But please don't switch to artificial sweeteners. These have a multitude of problems, and your brain will continue to crave sugar.
My motto has always been to "love the food that will love you back." If you've found a diet that works for you, I wish you continued health and happiness. I'm not here to say what's right or wrong. I'm just sharing what has worked for me.
The latest studies show that whole milk may actually be better for you than the reduced-fat versions. And organic milk really is healthier than conventional milk. I'd also encourage you to look for pasture-raised, grass-fed labels. However, if milk is off the menu, you can get your daily calcium from other whole foods like almonds, chia seeds, white beans, and kale.
If you're avoiding gluten, many products are naturally gluten-free. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, poultry, and seafood are just a few examples. It's best to pass on the highly processed, less-healthy packaged goods. And if you aren't sensitive to gluten, you may want to ask yourself why you've banished it from your diet. Some gluten-free alternatives are less healthy than their regular versions (lacking essential nutrients and fiber). Unlike refined carbohydrates, whole-grain products can be very nutritious. I have a good friend who's convinced that the words "gluten-free" are synonymous with health — and folks, that just ain't so!
All vegetables are good for you, so eat the ones you like. Don't worry about what's a "superfood" right now — it's going to be a different one tomorrow!
If you're looking for a healthy lifestyle that's stood the test of time, I'd recommend going the Mediterranean way. I love that no food group has been excluded. Here are some general guidelines
- Focus on vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, legumes, and whole grains.
- Add in moderate amounts of fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy.
- Use olive oil (or avocado oil) for cooking or as the base for sauces and dips.
- Have red meat (preferably grass-fed) occasionally.
- A glass of wine with dinner is okay too. (This is for those who already enjoy this. Don't add if not already drinking!)
This is more than a diet. It's a lifestyle where meals are unhurried and satisfying. And don't be afraid to treat yourself to the foods you really love. Self-denial will only make you crave something more. Just remember, a taste can be as good as a splurge!
And finally, there is one subject that almost everyone agrees upon: too much added sugar is detrimental to our health. But please don't switch to artificial sweeteners. These have a multitude of problems, and your brain will continue to crave sugar.
My motto has always been to "love the food that will love you back." If you've found a diet that works for you, I wish you continued health and happiness. I'm not here to say what's right or wrong. I'm just sharing what has worked for me.
If you'd like to join me on this path to health and happiness, please follow me on social media.
"When walking, walk. When eating, eat." Zen proverb