As a thriving member of the 55+ set, it’s your primary goal to remain healthy and active for many years to come. (After all, you’ve just moved into a brand new single-family home at The Villages at Two Rivers, and the opportunities for fun are boundless.) A healthy, active lifestyle means plenty of exercise, sure, but more importantly:

 

The foundation for an enduringly healthy, active lifestyle over 55 (and at any age) is laid on a healthy, balanced diet.

 

The benefits of healthy eating are many, and include increased mental acuteness; resistance to illness and disease; higher energy levels; faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems. And the benefits aren’t all physical; as active adults living in Odenton, Maryland, eating well can also contribute to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced.

 

Consider the following tips for eating healthy as an active adult in Maryland.

 

Reduce your sodium intake.

 

Excess sodium (or, salt) intake can lead to water retention and higher blood pressure. Instead, look for “low sodium” labels, and season your meals with garlic, herbs and spices instead of table salt.

 

Enjoy good fats.

 

Olive oil, avocados, salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed: The good, monounsaturated fats from these yummy sources can protect your heart from disease by controlling the so-called ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels while raising the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol levels.

 

Stay away from simple carbohydrates.

 

Simple carbohydrates aren’t healthy for anyone, let alone an active adult such as yourself. These foods — such as white flour, refined sugar, and white rice — have been stripped of all bran, fiber, and nutrients. With all the good stuff gone, what’s the point? The point is, they digest quickly and cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

 

Fill your garden, and your plate with color.

 

As a new resident of The Villages at Two Rivers, active adults are offered the unique opportunity to grow and share the fruits (literally) of their labor in a communal agricultural park and produce market. Fruits and vegetables rich in color provide rich nutrients the body needs to survive, and thrive for years to come.

 

Cook smart.

Grow those veggies, or buy them. And then take them home to steam or sauté in olive oil. Forget frying or boiling, as these methods of cooking will only add fat or eliminate vitamins and minerals.

 

Live healthy. Live active.

 

Live at The Villages at Two Rivers.