Effective Anti Aging Nutrition

We have to admit that aging is something that we cannot stop, no matter how we try. There is no turning back the hands of time. However, we can still do something to make sure that, as we age, we also maintain our youthful vigor, energy and health. Age, indeed, is a state of mind and body. That is why you can still say that the quest for the fountain of youth is not just the stuff of legend. A sensible diet, coupled with exercise and a healthy lifestyle, can do much to help slow down the outward signs of aging. You see, your body is a super machine. It is designed to regenerate – to heal and repair itself. However, it needs the proper ammunition – the right food – to be able to do it.

The food that we eat, if we are not careful, can speed up the process of aging. It is important for you to develop the right anti-aging nutrition habits that will support a healthy and active lifestyle. Your diet will determine how long you will remain fit. How will you know that you are eating right? Here are some anti aging nutrition practices you should be careful to follow:

It’s all about balance. No, a balanced diet does not mean two pints of ice cream for each hand. It means that about 60% of your diet are made up of carbohydrates (pastas, breads, rice, fruits and vegetables), preferably complex carbohydrates. Avoid simple carbohydrates like sweets and cakes. 25% of the diet should be made up of fat content, while 15% is composed of protein content (dairy products or meat). Also, those in their 60s should increase their intake of fiber-rich foods (vegetables and fruits). Again, a balance diet means just the right amount – not too much or too little.

Small portions. The good news is that you should have five meals and snacks during the day. However, you should keep these small. The body’s response to being deprived of food is to slow down the metabolism. So the more frequent the feedings, the faster the metabolism. Another anti-aging nutrition tip is to control the size of your portions.

Hydrate. The body is made up of 50 to 60 percent water. So to ensure that the body is working as it should, you should drink at least eight glasses of water. If you are dehydrated, your body will show degeneration or aging faster.

Take it easy on the fat. These include deep fried food, creams, cakes and cookies. You see, the body can quickly turn the fat you eat into body fat. But, you should also avoid the mistake of blaming fat for your aging and weight woes. We need fat since these help make sure that the body absorbs the vitamins that come in. Fat also keeps us warm and there are fatty acids that are essential for our bodies to function properly. There are also healthy fat – these are found in vegetable oils, nuts, soft margarine products and seeds. There are called monounsaturated fats and are the ones you should consume. Avoid saturated fat (butter, lard, dairy products or beef).

Do the same with salt and sugar. Foods rich in salt and sugar put you into more risk of developing diabetes and hypertension. So, instead of sprinkling some salt into your food, use spices such as basil, pepper and oregano instead. As for sugar-rich foods, remember the adage: “A minute on the lips, forever on the hips.” Sugar-rich foods contain a lot of calories that will end up in our tummies, thighs and hips.

Other things you should also avoid are alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine and other drugs. Intake of these speeds up bone loss as it interferes with the absorption of calcium. You may feel that most of these rules are about avoidance. But really, the key is looking into healthier alternatives. The benefit to being disciplined in your nutrition habits is that you can live longer and healthier.

To have synergy in your anti-aging actions, you should also consider taking advantage of anti aging treatments, on top of having a proper nutrition.