By Rene Ficek, RDN, CDE for Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating
Being a grandparent today means staying healthy, active and feeling your best. A few helpful tips can help you make healthier choices and live a healthier life.
Keep it Simple
Healthy eating needn’t be a big chore. Keep it simple and you’ll be more likely to stick with it. A healthy eating plan like Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating serves fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy; includes lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts; and is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars. Plus, it’s none of the work of planning, preparing and cooking meals for yourself. Just freshly prepared meals perfectly portioned for your individual needs, delivered conveniently to your door twice-per-week.
Re-think “Exercise”
Often times “exercise” has a negative connotation. It sounds like work and who wants to work during relaxation time? If you rephrase exercise into ‘playing’ it becomes much more fun, enjoyable and something you look forward to every day. Including your grandchildren — and spouse, if married — in your exercise regimen is a great way to make it more fun and spontaneous.
After the age of 50 the benefits of exercise includes increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times and better management of chronic health problems.
Bottom Line
Today’s grandparents are active, healthy and up for any adventure life throws at them. Make health your first priority, so you can enjoy the little ones in your life. Call Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating at 1-800-442-DIET (3438) or visit online www.seattlesutton.com if you want a little help with healthy eating.
Rene Ficek is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes educator for Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating. She lives in Illinois and provides nutrition analysis and meal planning.
