Simple Changes

We are all aging. Time flies by so fast it's hard to comprehend sometimes where it's gone. Have you ever looked at a calendar and wondered how it's already July? What happened to the first six months of the year. The older we get, the more this tends to be the case. While some people seem to have been blessed with a youthful body that allows them to age gracefully, others struggle with chronic issues that are fairly common for mature adults. The body is like a machine, so if it's had some years where it was not maintained very well, those can turn into future backaches, autoimmune problems, heart and cardiovascular issues, or cognitive decline. Add to it achy joints,  the battle of the bulge, and lack of exercise and we have a recipe for some uncomfortable years ahead of us if we don't remedy the situation pronto. Let's not be all gloom and doom though. Those aches and pains can be a wake up call if we allow them to be.

The good news is that a few relatively simple changes to our routines will have us making some headway at reducing the effects of aging. Our bodies need more of certain nutrients as we grow older. Healthy animal fats are vital to cognitive function and cardiovascular health. They also help the gut cope with stress. Grass-fed meats are higher in CLAs and Omega-3s than conventional meats. Tallow, olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oils can be used for cooking instead of potentially hazardous vegetable oils. Grass-fed meats, especially organ meats, are loaded with B-vitamins and protein that aging minds and bodies need in abundance. Once we add a few healthier alternatives to our diet, it helps to cut out a few not-so-healthy items too. Eliminate as many processed foods as you can. This includes vegetable shortenings, cereals, soda, sweet drinks, vegetable oils, sandwich bread, etc. Check your labels for ingredients.

Movement and fitness is another key to aging gracefully. Include some exercise time in your week. Go for a walk, jog, or hike to get your blood pumping. And finally, get enough rest for your body to renew, heal, and rebuild. Most people need 7-8 hours of rest. These are a few relatively simple steps we can take to reduce the effects of aging while enjoying each and every day to its fullest.

All the Best,  Team USWM