We all want to live a long life, but here at Harbor’s Edge, we emphasize living a long, healthy life. Although a part of your fate is predetermined by genetics, your lifestyle plays a huge role in how many healthy, happy years of life you get. In addition to staying active as you get older, diet is key for remaining healthy as the years go on.
You can count on our expert culinary team to serve fresh, nutritious meals daily, but if you’re interested in learning more about maintaining a healthy diet, here’s a look into some of the factors that influence what the chefs cook up.
A high meat-based protein diet is better than one with no protein at all, but plant protein is especially important for staying stronger and healthier later in life. Legumes, nuts, and whole grains are pillars of your diet. Plant protein is also crucial for keeping bones strong.
Calcium and vitamin D are also critical to supporting bone health, especially as you age and your bones naturally lose some tissue. There are tons of foods that can provide these nutrients, so preference is no excuse! From milk to juices to leafy green vegetables, fish, and eggs, incorporating calcium and vitamin D into your daily diet is as easy as pie with all our menu options.
Don’t worry too much about losing your favorite foods for the sake of a healthy diet. Most plant foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can support healthy aging and brain health. Coffee is a great example of a drink that’s sometimes removed from diets but can actually be very good for you. Drinking a few cups of coffee a day has been linked to reduced risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and some cancers.
Healthy fats, or unsaturated fats, like those found in plant oils, nuts, and seeds have been linked with lower mortality and better brain health. Fish like salmon, tuna, and anchovies are great sources of healthy fats, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Nowadays, grocery stores are filled with ultra-processed foods, but researchers are finding that these packaged products are increasingly linked with higher risks for health conditions. Processed foods tend to have high levels of fast carbohydrates and sodium which can lead to blood sugar spikes and high blood pressure, both of which can cause long-term health issues if they occur regularly. Our Harbor’s Edge chefs pride themselves on serving fresh foods instead of processed meals to ensure all the residents are staying healthy and eating meals that are not just delicious, but also nutritious.
As with any other aspect of health, it’s important to look at diet holistically instead of focusing all your attention on one food. Your overall diet matters far more than that one cookie you had last night. As long as you’re thinking about the foods you’re eating and making sure you’re taking a conscious approach to your diet, you’ll be on the right track toward a long, healthy life.
Here at Harbor’s Edge, we take the health of our residents very seriously. We serve healthy, delicious meals with a range of options to suit any dietary restrictions. Chef Meier manages five of the on-site restaurants and cafes, making sure that residents never have to choose between taste and nutrition. Dining with Harbor’s Edge is more than just a delicious choice, it’s a healthy one.
See the recipe card below to learn how to make a brain healthy breakfast, courtesy of Chef Christina!
