Seven Savory Steps to a Lean Luscious Diet and Lifestyle!

The Baby Boomer generation (born 1946-1964) is redefining aging. Boomers are projected to have the longest life expectancy of any generation, so far, with proper diet playing a huge role. Unlike “Gen-Y”, boomers don’t expect things to be done for them especially when it comes to successful aging. They realize eating more nutrient-rich foods goes a long way toward remaining active as well as reducing age related risk of heart attacks, diabetes, stroke, cognitive decline and other chronic diseases. Boomers are goal oriented, clever and resourceful. And, because they are also confident, independent and self-reliant, they welcome alternative approaches to processed foods with deceiving labels. Eating healthy is easy. Here are seven savory steps to a lean luscious lifestyle!

In addition to getting 30-60 vigorous activity minutes each day, try navigating your kitchen in a new way.

1. To ensure good hydration, put a pitcher of water in the refrigerator spiked with one of the following combinations for a fresh flavor; sliced cucumber with a sprig of lavender, watermelon with mint, lemon, lime and orange slices, sliced kiwi fruit and cantaloupe.
2. Create a rainbow diet and get plenty of colorful fruits and veggies. The more colors you consume the more nutrients you get. Consider making salads with complementary colors. Start with your greens and add some red (strawberries, tomatoes, pomegranate seeds); orange slices adding purple grapes and a few chunks of avocado; Fresh yellow corn tossed with blueberries, black beans and cilantro.
3. Make your own fast and frugal salad dressings: two parts oil whisked with one part acidic balance. Sample these fun combos; walnut oil with champagne vinegar or orange juice; olive oil with sherry vinegar or lemon juice; toasted sesame oil with rice vinegar or limejuice.
4. Oven roasted veggies are easy and helps you get your daily vegetable servings in one meal. Toss carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, string beans, mushrooms, bell peppers and onions in olive oil and fresh ground pepper. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes then toss with a bit of balsamic vinegar and crumbled goat cheese. The more color, the more antioxidants and cooking will enhance the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients.
5. Dine with others and create mindful mealtime moments enjoying the taste, texture and aroma of your food. Social interaction without the distraction of digital devices contributes to your overall wellbeing.
6. Moderation. Keep in mind, if you love it, you may be tempted to over-do- it. Most people overindulge in one or more of the following;: salt, sugar, fat and alcohol.  Here is a good mantra, “cut back and do the right thing most of the time which makes doing the wrong thing some of the time OK!”
7. That said, toast to your new relaxed rejuvenation with a glass of fine red wine. Research supports the health benefits of the fermented antioxidants in red grapes.

Fill your plate with mindful muse and let your cup overflow with mealtime magic!

By Peggy Buchanan, Coordinator of Vitality/Wellness Programming for Front Porch :About Peggy Buchanan

Peggy is the coordinator of vitality/wellness programming for Front Porch and serves as the director of fitness, aquatics and physical therapy at Front Porch’s Vista del Monte retirement community in Santa Barbara, Calif. Peggy has more than 30 years of experience in the health and fitness industry as an author, instructor/trainer and program developer. Her book Movin ‘n Groovin’ was awarded Amazon.com’s “Best Children’s Fitness Book” in 1998. She earned her master’s degree from California State University, Northridge in Exercise Physiology with an emphasis in Sports Nutrition and has received numerous industry certifications and awards, including two honors from the world’s largest association for health and fitness professionals (IDEA).

About Front Porch

Front Porch is a not-for-profit support system for a family of companies that serve individuals and families through full-service retirement, active adult communities, affordable housing communities through CARING Housing Ministries and related management and development services.   No two Front Porch communities are alike!  Each community is as unique as the individuals who live in them.  Front Porch active adult and full-service retirement communities offer a full range of options from independent living to skilled care, including assisted living and memory support in unique settings.

Specialized programs like the Front Porch Center for Innovation and Wellbeing, Front Porch Gallery and affiliated Centers for Spirituality and Aging support the Front Porch belief in understanding and meeting needs so that residents can live life their way.  Front Porch is expanding its ‘human serving’ capabilities with its commitment to ‘Humanly Possible^SM’, a cultural imperative that harnesses the innovative spirit of all of its staff in an effort to do whatever is humanly possible to meet emerging needs in the communities it serves now and in the future.   With innovative communities and programs that meet the changing needs of people as they age, Front Porch represents a leading-edge approach to enhance wellbeing.  Front Porch is comprised of 10 full-service retirement communities in California and two adult living communities: one in Louisiana and one in Florida. Front Porch also serves individuals and families through more than 20 affordable housing communities managed by Front Porch’s affiliate, CARING Housing Ministries. Front Porch, based in Glendale, Calif. and founded in 1999, is a not-for-profit

Category: Good Life