Ah, the winter holidays and the New Year! Reconnecting with loved ones, celebrating together, and—sometimes—eating and drinking a little too merrily. Ho, ho…hold on!
Overindulging is common during the holidays, but for seniors, the consequences of unhealthy eating go beyond added pounds. At this stage of the game, veering from your usual nutritional regimen can seriously impact your health.
Here are some healthy New Year's nutrition tips for seniors to maximize your enjoyment of the season - and the months to come.
Stick to Your Schedule
New Year's festivities often include late-night meals. If you’re not used to eating later in the evening, your body may struggle to adjust. Heavy food before bed can disrupt both digestion and sleep. Your best bet is to stick to your regular dinner schedule and grab some light snacks at the party.
The Best Defense: Fruits and Veggies
Before you head out to celebrate with your active adult living community, enjoy a snack of fresh fruits or vegetables. Doing so fills you up enough to reduce the urge to overindulge at the buffet. Even if you enjoy a little holiday cheer, you’ve already consumed the important nutrients. It’s a win/win.
Take it Slow
Speeding through a plate of rich foods is a roadmap to indigestion. Instead, linger over a plate for at least 20 minutes. Not only will you feel better, but you’re also likely to eat less. Eating slowly is a great way to reduce caloric intake without feeling deprived.
Take it a step further and grab a smaller plate. It will look full and satisfying, but with less food.
Flat or Sparkling?
Specialty drinks, though sinfully delicious, are often loaded with carbs and calories, and alcohol can interact badly with certain medications. Avoid unwanted sugar by filling up a glass with good old H2O. Sparkling or flat, a glass of water lets you raise a glass with everybody while hydrating your cells and keeping your blood sugar levels in check. Cheers!
Salt is Not Your Friend
During the new year, you’re surrounded by food that’s not part of your daily dietary routine, which makes it difficult to control your salt intake. If you are heading out to dinner, check out the menu online. Many restaurants offer nutritional facts on their websites, so you have a better idea how much sodium you are consuming. Your heart will thank you.
A Little Sweet Goes a Long Way
Healthy living for seniors can be summed up in one word: moderation. Find a balance between enjoying your favorite sweet treats and avoiding overindulgence. You don't need to torture yourself by avoiding the temptations of an active adult living community buffet. Instead, have half a treat, or skip the appetizer in favor of dessert. If loved ones bring over a plate of cookies, enjoy one and freeze the rest for later.
Healthy living for seniors can be a challenge at New Year’s, but the rewards to your long-term wellbeing are worth it. At Overture, our Live Here | Live Well program promotes well-being through inspiring classes, activities, and events. If you've ever wondered how fulfilling active adult living is, you owe it to yourself to check out the vibrant, friendly communities that call Overture Apartments home!