6 Senior-Friendly Tips for a Healthy New Year

You just hung up a new calendar and put the holiday decorations away. Here comes another year. Every day is a good day to improve your health. New Year’s is a perfect time to take a closer look at what you’re doing well and where you can improve.

Thinking about setting some goals to improve your health in 2023? Here are FIVE senior-friendly tips for a healthy New Year.

1. Eat more whole foods

The first part…eat less junk food. The second part…eat more whole foods like:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean meat
• Fish
• Legumes
• Low-fat dairy products
• Nuts and seeds

Looking for a simple way to eat healthier? Check out the complete list of Senior-Friendly meals made from fresh ingredients and ready to eat in minutes.

2. Maintain a healthy weight, or lose weight if you need to

Losing even a few pounds can lower your risk for chronic disease, increase energy levels, and improve your quality of life. Here are a few simple ways to tip the scale in the right direction:

• Keep track of what you’re eating. Pay attention to portion sizes and daily calories.
• Eat more plant-based foods and whole foods
• Drink plenty of water
• Be active at least 20-30 minutes per day

3. Limit foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol

Why? Foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol increase your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, blocked arteries, heart attack and stroke.

Foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol include red meats and fried foods.

4. Limit sugar

Foods with added sugar contain a lot of empty calories that can lead to weight gain and increase your risk for chronic diseases. Foods that contain added sugar include:

• Sugar-sweetened drinks (soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, coffee/tea with sugar and cream)
• Desserts and candy
• There’s even added sugar in some foods like yogurt and salad dressing

5. Avoid or limit sodium

Canned soups, processed meats, fried foods, and processed meals typically contain high levels of sodium. Too much sodium increases the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems.

Aim to limit sodium to no more than 2,300 mg per day. If you already have high blood pressure, less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day is recommended.

6. Drink more water

It doesn’t cost a lot, and it contains zero calories. Plus drinking water helps you feel fuller longer, aids in digestion, helps support muscle and joint function, and prevents complications associated with dehydration.

How much water should you drink? For most adults, aiming for 64 ounces of water per day is a good place to start.

Hungry for more tips to improve your health in 2023? Check out the complete list Senior-Friendly meals made from fresh ingredients and ready to eat in minutes.