Why healthy eating matters
01 April 2021
Eating well matters whatever our age but as we get older, keeping our body healthy takes on a greater role in our mental and physical wellbeing.
Healthy eating helps us to feel good from the inside out, giving us more energy and boosting our mood and self-esteem. What’s more, good nutrition can improve our immunity and even prevent or delay the onset of common conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, high blood pressure and many types of cancer.
Eating a diet packed with fruit, leafy vegetables, and Omega-3 rich foods, such as oily fish and nuts, can also help to keep our mind sharp as we get older and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
The great news is that when paired with regular weight-bearing exercise, such as simply walking or lifting shopping, a good diet can contribute to greater independence for longer as we get older.
Eat to stay healthy
Eating a healthy, nourishing diet doesn’t have to be a chore! By focusing on natural, whole foods rather than heavily processed meals, we can make significant improvements to our diet, giving our body more of the nutrients it needs.
Some simple changes include eating more fruit and vegetables each day. Research shows that people who eat plenty of fruit and vegetables are less likely to develop heart disease and certain cancers. Aim to include at least five portions of various fruit and vegetables each day.
When it comes to vegetables, dark, leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli are great choices as we age thanks to vitamin K which helps to protect our bones from osteoporosis and prevent against inflammatory diseases. Plus, the high content of antioxidants makes leafy green vegetables one of the best cancer-preventing foods.
Eat well, live well
Eating well is about more than just the food we eat. It’s also about the pleasure of eating, which is significantly enhanced when we enjoy a meal in the company of others. A social atmosphere stimulates your mind, makes mealtimes more enjoyable, and can help you stick to your healthy eating plan.
Even if you live alone, eating well can be made more enjoyable by shopping or cooking with friends and family or meeting for a meal to be enjoyed in each other’s company. The simple act of talking to a friend or loved over the dinner table can play a big role in relieving stress and boosting mood.
Live better, for longer
When it comes to eating well, the Slate & Grain brasserie and bar, developed exclusively for our communities, is the perfect place to enjoy a healthy meal in the company of friends or loved ones.
Our dishes are lovingly made on site using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients so whether you’re seeking a healthy snack or a nutritious meal, our contemporary brasserie has all the ingredients you need to enjoy a healthy diet.