If you want to do more now and stay active as you grow older, be consistent in following a healthy eating plan. Getting the right balance of nutrition keeps your metabolism in working order, so it can accommodate extra physical demands. Choosing high-quality foods helps you get more of the beneficial nutrients you need, with less of the detrimental fats that can slow you down. Eating for your activity level now also helps to prevent weight gain and related health problems down the road.
Benefits of Adequate Nutrition
Encourage a strong metabolism by eating moderate amounts of foods for their vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates and fatty acids every day. Consuming the full range of nutrients supports your cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, digestive and other body systems. These systems must work together all the time, whether you are exercising or at rest, to sustain life and keep you mobile. Get the benefits of sharp eyesight and reflexes and strong heart and lung muscles to facilitate active living by eating balanced meals of healthy foods.
Benefits of Calorie Balance
While consuming the amount of calories that you expend on a regular basis helps you manage your weight, it also regulates your blood sugar. Your body must maintain a specific range of blood glucose concentration to deliver energy to your cells. This becomes even more important when you intensify your activity level. Carbohydrates, protein and fatty acids provide the bulk of dietary calories. Limiting your intake through portion control and balanced meals can help you avoid weight gain and health problems, such as diabetes, that can affect your active lifestyle.
Weight Control
When you offset the high calories of carbs, protein and fats with lower-calorie sources of essential vitamins and minerals, you won't have to go on a diet to shed excess pounds and stay active. As long as you exercise on most days, healthy eating automatically restrains your appetite and calorie intake. Three meals a day that include vegetables, fruits and whole grains provide a continual supply of the dietary fiber that may prevent overeating.
Less Risk of Injury and Illness
Nutritional support keeps your body in shape and slows the decline that comes with age. Getting enough calcium and vitamin C, for instance, keeps bones, muscles and connective tissue strong and helps you avoid fractures and trauma to muscles, tendons and ligaments. Maintaining a healthy weight by choosing low-fat forms of carbs and protein reduces your risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and other long-term diseases that can curtail your healthy lifestyle.
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