Age Related Healthy Eating Habits For Adults

By Mary Taylor


As individuals grow over time, so too the need for certain vitamins and nutrients. While baby food often include these ingredients, as babies grow into children and children into teenagers and teenagers into adults, dietary needs change. As such, it is important to know recommended healthy eating habits for adults and teenagers.

Every adult needs to have a diet that is rich in fiber. In addition, it is important that these individuals consume foods from a number of different groups. These food groups include, fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free dairy, meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. By eating the recommended daily amount of these food groups, individuals can avoid a number of health related issues.

In order to maintain a healthy diet which is low in sodium, trans fats, saturated fats and added sugars, it is best to avoid canned and deep fried foods. While individuals suffering from Diabetes Type II may need to monitor sugar intake based on medication, others may often need to incorporate at least some sugar to avoid extreme cases of low blood sugar and hypoglycemia.

Regardless of age, there are some dietary guidelines which apply to all individuals. These include eating fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding can foods where possible. For, can foods often include high levels of sodium which is used as a preservative. Whereas, if fresh foods are not available, it is important to eat frozen or canned foods in order to absorb the nutrients found in these foods.

Dark green leafy vegetables contain some of the most important nutrients such as iron and Vitamins A and D. As such, a diet that incorporates these vegetables, whether raw of cooked is often a healthy one. These vegetables include foods such as spinach, lettuce, kale, collard greens and broccoli.

Whether young or old, it is important to incorporate a diet that is high in protein. While this is the case, it is also recommended that different types of protein be interchanged on a regular basis. Foods in this category include fish, beans, peas, nuts and eggs. For those on a vegetarian or vegan diet, it is important to incorporate as much protein as possible on a daily basis.

While it is important not to over eat when it comes to bread and other grains, it is often recommended that individuals eat at least 3 ounces per day. Whether whole grain toast, pancakes, waffles, cereal, crackers, rice or pasta. For those whom are sensitive to gluten or have been diagnosed with Celiac disease, there are alternative grain and rice based foods which can be found in health food stores and supermarkets.

By incorporating three servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy such as butter or margarine, milk, yogurt and cheese, most can acquire the recommended daily dosage of Vitamin D. For those on vegan diets or lactose intolerant, adding calcium and Vitamin D supplements are essential. Whether eating foods and drinks rich in Vitamin D and calcium, or taking supplements along with avoiding trans and saturated fats, eating healthy is one way to assure living a longer, happier and healthier life.




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