As we all know, good nutrition is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Since many of us in our retirement years live on a strict budget, eating healthy can sometimes be a very expensive and difficult task; however, finding the extra money and time to eat healthier will pay dividends toward your overall health. Healthy eating will aid us in our efforts to fight against disease such and obesity, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. The lack of nutrition among the elderly varies, but most commonly comes from a result of bad habits, physical problems, and cooking skills.

A healthy diet must include a low fat low calorie plan. Make sure to eat a variety of foods that cover all of the five major food groups. Some suggestions are whole wheat, fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy, and poultry or fish. Eating an assortment of different foods in all five major food groups will ensure us that our bodies will have the proper nutrition that is required for healthy living.

For some of us, proper nutrition may require more then just eating the right foods. You must make sure that you are aware of any medications that may deplete any aspects of your nutrition intake. For example, some preliminary studies show that prescribed acid reflux medications may prevent the body from absorbing calcium, so someone on these types of medications may want to take an additional calcium supplement along with healthy eating.

Drinking water is a must, water is natures miracle cure. The body needs water to flush out toxins and maintain healthy tissue. The goal is to drink eight glasses of water a day which will also help to aid against dehydration.

To help your cause to stay on a healthy diet there are a few things that you must incorporate into your daily life. When ever possible, prepare you meals a few days in advance, this will help you to stay motivated toward eating healthy when you are busy and on the go. Also, stock your refrigerator with vegetables and fruits this will help with your urges to snack on potato chips or candy. Become creative with your fruits and vegetables. For example, for those with spicy taste buds you may want to eat fruit such as pineapple and watermelon with a little power chill or something simple as carrots and low fat ranch dressing as a dip, as these goodies will help keep you from unhealthy foods.

Strive not to overcomplicate things, keep things simple, and eat you fruits, vegetables, diary, and fish.