As we age, making healthy food choices are in our rearview mirror. Life is so busy that “grab and go” food is the norm in society. Our bodies are forever changing as we go through life and continue growth. The food that we needed as infants has changed as we have become adults and the nutrients at all stages of life are different.
As a Mater’s Athlete (older athlete), I see the transitions of how my own body has used food going from a child to young adult; after having children, being a figure competitor and now back to competing in sprints. When I was not being active, starchy carbs were not my friend, because I gained weight. As a figure competitor starchy carbs were my friend until it was time for me to go into my cutting phase (lose fat).
I needed the carbs for lifting weights and doing cardio, but I had to know how my body would respond. Now that I’m sprinting again, carbs are my best friend, because sprinting burns a lot of calories and I don’t want to lose too much weight. I cannot eat anything I want like I did when I was a child and have a healthy weight for me.
Then I asked myself, “was it the carbs that I was having a feud with or that I was not moving?” Working with Baby Boomers, I see how their eating has changed from a reduction in eating to not eating at all. After observations over time, I saw a lot of sweets, chips, and processed foods. Food that is brought in by family members is just what their parents liked, not realizing that a lack of nutrition was contributing to the decline of their loved one.
The family members are caught in a hard position because they want to make them happy during the time they are here and not argue over food choices. The next thing I saw were the family members that were very strict about parents’ food and salt intake, and their parents were miserable from those choices. It is very challenging to balance for ourselves, nevertheless for our aging family members.
I also found out why some of my clients were not eating some of their favorite foods or not eating at all. They told me that the food did not taste the same anymore. I was shocked!! WOW!! That is really a good reason. I understand! Who wants to eat something that does not taste good! The world has flooded the market with all kinds of gooey, great tasting foods and we get to this stage in our life where this food tastes like nothing now!! After some research, I found out that the sense of smell, sense of taste and even their medications have an effect on the taste of their food.
The suggestions that I made to others were to see if they could try something all together new. Sit down and pick out some new recipes together to try out. Make eating a big deal – setting the table or maybe some special dishes you use with just them. Make it a very social event. Try adding herbs and spices to make food more flavorful and aromatic. Try some smoothies, shakes or juicing whole fruits and vegetables. Ask their doctor for vitamins or supplements to fill in gaps of their nutrition.
I also saw that texture seemed to be an issue with some with dentures and issues with teeth. Chewing meat or hard veggies can be painful. Try steaming veggies, so you keep the intake of nutrients, and not boiled away. Grind meat or tenderizing it into a softer texture can help chewing tremendously!
My time working with baby boomers has given me some very important insight on their needs and opinions. I am very thankful for their company and the so needed knowledge they bring to our world.
If you are ready to “Embrace, Excel, Defy” and are interested in working with Stephanie to give Life your ALL, you can contact her at 919-757-8245, by e-mail at stephaniewhittenfitness@gmail.com, or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/stephaniewhittenfitness.
