A healthy diet is important at any age. However, as you get older, eating right becomes even more important to increase your longevity and prevent illness. Fatigue, or low levels of energy, are a common complaint among older people. Luckily certain habits and foods can be energy boosters for seniors.
Foods for High Levels of Energy
Eating a balanced diet is one of the keys to beating low energy levels. By eating a variety of foods with a moderate amount of calories, you can fuel your body with the proper nutrition it needs.
Each balanced meal should have a mix of lean protein, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This combination can help keep you full while giving your body the vitamins and minerals that it needs.
Complex Carbs. Many people think that the key to maintaining a healthy weight is to avoid carbs. But carbs provide your body with energy and other essential nutrients. The key is to choose the right carbs, known as complex carbs.
Complex carbs are a good source of starch and fiber. Starchy foods like pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes are high-energy foods with essential B vitamins.
Eating whole-grain cereal for breakfast is a great way to lift your energy for the day. Whole-grain cereals and oatmeal have lots of fiber to help keep you full. They also have vitamins and minerals that should be part of a healthy senior diet.
Fish. Fish and seafood are excellent examples of lean proteins that can boost energy in older adults. Oily fish, like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent heart attacks. They also help prevent cognitive decline and relieve joint pain.
It’s recommended that adults eat at least two portions of fish each week and that one of those sources be oily fish. Fish are great foods for energy because of their essential nutrients and preventative benefits.
Lean protein, like fish, helps you to maintain muscle mass. Having enough muscle mass is important for staying physically active as you age. Protein is an important macronutrient that’s essential for maintaining high levels of energy throughout the day.
