Clearly, nutritional needs shift as we age. While the utilization of calories may decrease, the need for certain vitamins and minerals may increase.

Good nutrition is still important even as you age. However, the nutrition guide will change as you grow older because of the individual nutritional needs.

Regardless of age or activity levels, your food choices will still affect the overall health in the later years. When people age, the risks of health problems, such as diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease increase with an unhealthy lifestyle. By following a nutrition guide that matches your individual needs, not only could it help in treating health problems, it could also prevent the occurrence of chronic illnesses.

How to Eat Healthy

While eating healthy has been discussed since childhood, it is important to get back to basics and consume good foods every day. For adults, it is important to stick with a nutrition guide that includes sufficient amounts of protein, energy, fiber, water, vitamins and minerals.

A person that is not getting the proper amounts of the basic nutrients could indicate poor nutrition. Generally, people with poor nutrition follow bad eating habits, take unnecessary medication, experience ill health and unexpected weight loss or gain and poor dental health. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a health care provider and ask for a nutrition guide for your personal needs.

Nutrition Facts for Adults

Adults should consume the same nutrients as young people do. However, the only different is the amount to be consumed. When a person gets older, the body will need fewer number of calories compared to when you were a teenager. This is because the energy your body requires decreases as your lose muscle and your physical activities decline.

However, not all nutrients should be taken in lower amounts. Some nutrients are actually needed more as people age. For this reason, it is important to ask your doctor for a nutrition guide to complement your diet needs. A good nutrition guide for adults usually contains foods that are high in fiber and low in fat. These nutritious foods include cereals, whole grains, vegetables and fruits. In addition, you still need to include proteins and low-fat dairy products in moderate amounts.

For all age groups, the best nutrition guide is still the “Food Pyramid Guide”. With proper amounts of calcium, vitamins D and C, sodium and other important vitamins and minerals, you will ensure health living for years to come.