Nutrition – Age no barrier to change

One of the most satisfying things about working as a nutritionist is seeing the improvements people can achieve in their health and lives when they make nutrition a priority. One of the most surprising things is seeing the great results that can be achieved at any age. In fact, some of my most successful weight loss clients have been people over the age of 60.

I recently had the pleasure of working with a wonderful woman who, at the age of 70, decided it was time to take charge of her health. At the time she was suffering from poor digestion and was unhappy with her weight. She knew it was related to food but with such an information overload out there she didn’t know where to start. Fast-forward five months and she is a different person. She has lost 13kg and is now at a healthy weight. She has more energy for walking and more vitality. Her body responded brilliantly to the changes she made with her nutrition and as a result her quality of life has significantly improved.
When Hippocrates said: “Let food be thy medicine” he was certainly speaking wise words. It is never too late to improve your health and energy by looking at what you eat and drink. Focus on your goal and pick one or two actions that will get you going in the right direction.

Here are some ideas to get started:
Gut health: Digestion is very important and can be impeded in later years with lower levels of gastric acid and saliva. You can stimulate those digestive juices by drinking a squeeze of lemon juice or a little apple cider vinegar in warm water before eating. Taking a digestive enzyme supplement with main meals will help your body to digest protein, fat and carbohydrate more efficiently. A probiotic supplement will help to restore and maintain a good level of healthy gut bacteria.
Timing of meals: If possible, make lunch your main meal of the day. Natural digestion is strongest in the afternoon and this is the best time to eat protein such as meat and eggs.
Joint pain can be helped with bone broth. Make your own broth by adding bones to soups and strews. Broth helps to strengthen cartilage, tendons and muscles. It can also help with gut health and digestion.
The fastest way to start losing body fat is by reducing your intake of sugar and starchy carbohydrates such as bread, pasta and rice. These foods all provide a high level of energy. When you reduce your intake of high-energy foods your body can start using up the stored energy on your body (ie body fat).

You can use the power of food to improve your quality of life at any age. You may not be able to change the beginning of your story, but you most certainly have the power to get started now and change the ending.