Maintaining proper nutrition is important at every age, but a healthy diet is especially important for older adults who want to age in place. Healthy seniors know eating well keeps their bodies strong, reduces their risk of developing countless diseases and can help keep them feeling better, longer.
And, contrary to what many people think, eating healthy doesn’t have to be overly complicated. By keeping these eight, healthy pantry staples on hand, you’ll know you always have a stockpile of nutritious food to turn to when you get hungry.
1. Oatmeal
Not only is oatmeal a heart-healthy food packed full of fiber, it’s also inexpensive and easy to prepare. To avoid the excess sugar you usually find in the flavored packages, buy plain, old-fashioned oats and prepare with milk for added protein. Top with fresh, sliced fruit and honey for an extra touch of flavor.
2. Beans
Beans are another inexpensive and fiber-packed food that is easily incorporated into many fast and easy meals for an extra punch of nutrition. Red beans, kidney beans and black beans are all rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, both of which are especially important as you age.
3. Honey
Raw honey is a great sugar substitute and can be used in place of sugar in baked goods or added to tea or your morning bowl of oatmeal for a little extra sweetness. Consuming local honey could even help alleviate allergy symptoms and prevent memory loss.
4. Garlic
Known for its strong flavor, garlic is somewhat of a magical food. Consuming fresh garlic can help reduce your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer. It’s also extremely beneficial to your immune system and many people swear by eating raw garlic to treat the common cold. In other words, a little garlic a day will keep your doctor happy.
5. Dark Chocolate
The best way to appease your sweet tooth each day is by eating a small portion of dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and considered heart-healthy in small doses. The darker the chocolate and the higher the quality, the better.
6. Whole-Wheat Flour
In almost any instance where you would use white flour, you can substitute whole-wheat flour for more nutritious baked goods. For carbohydrates, it’s also best to shop for whole-wheat pastas or brown rice, which have more protein, fiber and nutrients than their white carb counterparts.
7. Sea Salt
Watching your sodium levels is important to your health as you age, so AARP recommends seasoning your food with sea salt, as opposed to the finer-grained table salt. Since sea salt is less refined and has larger crystals, you’re more likely to taste a stronger salt flavor while consuming less.
8. Olive Oil
The healthy fats in olive oil make it a much more nutritious cooking staple than butter or other oils. While you should still be careful with portion control — olive oil is still quite high in calories — every healthy pantry should be stocked with a bottle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Don’t worry if you don’t currently have all of these items in your pantry at home. Make a point to pick up a few during your next grocery trip and you’ll be well on your way to eating healthier at home.
Are you doing everything possible to make sure you can continue to enjoy the retirement you’ve always wanted? Learn how in our free resource, Aging in Place: A New Trend for a New Generation of Seniors.
