Balanced Healthy: 4 Tips to Invest in Your Health

June 9, 2009 by Jennifer Tuma-Young
Filed under Nutrition

My great-grandfather grew up with very little, but made a nice life for himself in the United States. He wasn’t rich; he lived well, and he did a lot with what he had. He shared with people. He would frequent the same restaurants, befriend the staff, and give generous gifts. As a young boy he always knew he would come to the United States, and so he did. My grandfather probably did not know it, but he attracted good things to him by way of his own positive energy.

I’ll never forget, I was only six years old, and I sat at my grandfather’s kitchen table as he gave me life lessons. He had wonderful stories to tell, and much to teach. He handed me five dollars to add to my piggy bank, and a handful of walnuts. He talked to me about money, planning for the future, and told me to take care of myself, because the future happens fast. I listened with much admiration. Years later, his words still strike a happy chord with me!

My grandfather passed away when he was in his nineties. He lived a full life, and made great investments, especially with his health. More than just planning for his retirement and 401 k, my grandfather saw food and lifestyle as a means to plan ahead. A believer in fresh foods and “anything in moderation”, we can all follow in his footsteps, no matter what our age. Especially since we are living longer than ever, it’s important to live with energy, and have FUN along the way!

Here are 4 simple tips – things we can do now to prepare our bodies for the long, healthy haul!!

If You Can’t Spell It, Don’t Eat It!
Processed foods age us fast! By overworking our pancreas and digestive system, fake foods just don’t work well with our bodies. Stick with the basics by using fresh ingredients first. Eat whole grains, fruits, veggies, and high quality proteins and fats such as beans, nuts, salmon. Shop the perimeter of the food store, and when you absolutely have to buy food in a box, look at the ingredients list. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients or have no clue what they are, skip it!

Switch it Out!
All foods are not created equal. For example, yogurt can be a healthy option, but if you’re yogurt is filled with sugar or chemicals, you may as well eat a candy bar, right? We’re lucky, though, because we have SO many choices. Switch to plain all-natural yogurt and add fresh fruit. Or, if you only eat white pasta or bread, try whole grain varieties instead. If you switch out your ‘staple’ foods for higher quality options, your body will thank you in years to come.

Slip it In!
Ok, so you may not be ready to do a 180 when it comes to food. I totally understand. But filling your body with antioxidants will make you glow from the inside-out! Trick yourself by ‘slipping in’ healthy ingredients to your everyday choices. For example, flax is a powerful antioxidant that’s so easy to add to almost anything! Use it when you’re making chicken fingers, add it to your cereal, sneak it in to your morning muffins.

Muscle Matters!
Strong muscles and healthy bones can add years of high energy, high quality living! Make sure to build your muscle and protect your bones by doing stretching, strength training, or even water exercises. And, if you’re complaining about your metabolism slowing down as you age, don’t worry – strength training can rev that up too!! You’ll become a strong, healthy, fat burning machine in no time!