A significant part of Noble’s culture is centered around food and community, offering opportunities to nourish our bodies as well as our spirits. In addition to the social aspect of dining, the dietary team is behind the scenes, focused on good food’s healing effects on the body and the mind. Fueling with nutrient-dense foods that aren’t highly processed, are low in sugar, and filled with fiber and healthy fats provides vitamins and minerals needed for energy and reduces inflammation which can help cognitively by reducing brain fog.
It's also about balance, making meals favorable and enjoyable – and including treats, because who doesn’t love dessert! In honor of National Nutrition Month – learn how a healthy balanced diet supports healthy aging.
The recipe for a Healthy Diet and Healthy Aging
- Plants and more plants! Including a variety of vegetables into your diet is crucial – not only are they good for you, but they add super healthy fiber to your diet. Include dark leafy greens daily such as spinach and kale, red and orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes and legumes such as beans and peas.
- A variety of delicious natural raw fruits. Berries are full of anti-oxidants and are an easy snack and add on to cereals and salads. Apples, oranges and bananas are easy on the go additions to your diet and are nutrient dense and can help those sugar cravings!
- You can get protein from animals or plants – both provide all the nutrients you need to support healthy muscles. Look for wild caught fish, grass fed organic lean meats, poultry and eggs. Plant proteins include soy, tofu, nuts and seeds and even grains such as quinoa.
- As with proteins you can get calcium from many sources – such as low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt from cows or items made from coconut, almond, cashew or soy milk if you are plant based or have lactose issues.
- Healthy Fats. Fat is not evil – in fact your body needs it! Look for healthy fats from avocados, nuts and nut butters or cold pressed olive or grapeseed oils.
- Hydrate,Hydrate, Hydrate! Many of us, especially seniors don’t get enough water as the sense of thirst may weaken as we age. It’s important to get half your body weight in ounces of water daily.
Having a varied, well rounded healthy diet is one of the secrets to healthy aging. As always, we encourage you to talk to your doctor before making any drastic dietary changes. Here’s to healthy living and the art of aging!