As a person ages, it is important they do everything they can to keep their energy high. High energy contributes to good health and an active and satisfying lifestyle.
Eating the right foods can make a world of difference in quality of life, so if you or a loved one is looking to incorporate high energy foods into your diet, look no further than below.
The Right Grains
All grains are not created equally. Be sure to ditch the super processed white flours and instead, add some healthy grains such as quinoa. This little grain is caulked full of protein and complex carbohydrates. Throw in a few raisins and nuts and you can make a nice cereal. Quinoa also works well added to a salad.
Whole grains are another great choice to help keep your energy running on high. From brown rice to kamut and wheat, all these grains provide you with B-vitamins and complex carbohydrates to help keep you and your engine running on full.
Fish And Eggs
No one can live on bread – or grain – alone, so you will want to consider adding a little salmon to your diet. It has the omega-3 fatty acids that you need to keep going all day long, and it also is good for both your brain and heart.
While eggs used to get a bad rap, the truth is they are pretty much nature’s perfect food. They contain the right percentages of carbohydrates, protein, and fat as well as choline which helps keep your energy function at peak levels.
In addition, eggs are a completely versatile food. The ways to prepare them are almost endless – from poached to boiled to chopped up in a salad, you should have no trouble finding a way to add them to your meal.
The Right Fats
Just like the right grains will add to your energy throughout the day, the right fats will as well. One of the best fats is coconut oil. Not only will it help keep you feeling satisfied, it will help keep away the sluggish feeling you can get around three in the afternoon.
You can cook with coconut oil, consider cooking your eggs in it, or even add it to your coffee. You can find coconut oil that has no flavor or be a little adventurous and buy some that will add a little coconut flavor to your dishes.
Fruits And Vegetables
There was a reason your mother told you to eat your fruits and vegetables. They’re good for you, but they are not all created equally. While kale may not be a vegetable that comes to mind when planning a meal, it should be.
It is super high in vitamins and minerals and has a good amount of calcium. Kale does need to be cooked well; otherwise, your system won’t be able to break it down well enough for you to access the vitamins and minerals.
While most fruits can be a tasty treat, citrus fruits should be a go-to choice for the elderly. High in vitamin C, they are great for your body’s immune system, and there’s no better way to start the day then with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
The Right Beverages
Let’s face it. The afternoon can be a time when your energy fades. The right beverage can give you a healthy lift. Tea that has been infused with ginger will provide you with nutrients and antioxidants. Besides, having afternoon tea is just a great tradition to start.
Keeping your body running at peak performance can be a daunting task as you age, but it certainly isn’t impossible. By adding the right high energy food for the elderly in your daily diet, you can enjoy improved health and vigor as well as some great meals.
Dietary Supplementation
Seniors need nutrient supplements because their bodies aren’t as healthy as they used to be – capable of synthesizing and processing enough food to extract nutrients and create energy. Tranquility Labs believes that western nutritional science and traditional herbal medicine of the east don’t need to in contradiction. With herbal remedies, the right nutrients can be obtained to attain long-term benefits.
Check these important things you must know about dietary supplements for seniors:
- Nutrient supplements recommended for seniors should contain naturally-sourced ingredients. To provide optimum good health and promote safe intake, as much as possible, you want to eliminate synthetics, chemicals, and preservatives.
- There are food supplements that can help improve memory and prevent the progress of dementia and degenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. These supplements contain active ingredients, such as Omega 3 fish oil or fatty acids, to improve cognitive functioning.
- Hemp oil is another promising dietary supplement that can help combat stress, insomnia, and anxiety levels. Olive leaf extract contains medicinal olive oil and ashwagandha for health and vitality.
- When choosing a food supplement, it’s important to always check the product listing and label. Check any approval seal from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other third-party verification bodies.
All ingredients of the food supplement should be clearly indicated on the label to ensure you’re not taking any chances and compromising your health and safety.
- Be mindful of the manufacturing and expiry dates of the health supplement. Some seniors forget to check the label and tend to store supplements for years in the medicine cabinet. Remind caregivers to check the available medications and make a detailed inventory, noting all the important information to ensure drug safety.
- Always consult the doctor before giving any food supplement to older people because some ingredients may interact with the current medications they are taking.
