Does this sound like you? The way you eat and drink hasn’t changed much over the years, but how it makes you feel and look sure has. Or you’re eating and drinking worse as you’ve gotten older because you’re busier and more stressed.
If this is you, March is a great time to make improvements because it’s National Nutrition Month.
That’s where “Mature Eating” comes into play. Don’t worry – it’s not a diet.
Mature Eating is a philosophy that recognizes that as our schedules and bodies require more from us, our nutritional needs do as well. It provides a practical framework that states:
Work within your schedule. There’s room to do what you need to do, which is good because, mostly, your schedule is what it is.
Plan for known ugly spots. We all encounter situations and people that negatively impact our eating and drinking – like business dinners and poor sleep – so be aware and solve for them.
Start with protein, fiber and water. Research consistently shows that each day, mature adults do best eating .7 to 1 gram of lean protein per pound of body weight, 25-35 grams of fiber, and enough water for urine to run clear and straw-colored. Make sure you consume these macronutrients first.
Don’t sweat the bad stuff. Yes, you’ll do better with less alcohol and processed food, but it’s too easy to get fixated on that – especially since it mostly takes care of itself once you plan for ugly spots and get good protein and fiber.
Use better data. Your weight alone can be misleading. When GenAge clients worry that their weight is the same despite working hard, we do a repeat DEXA scan, and it often shows that they’ve both lost fat and gained muscle.
Working within your schedule, planning for ugly situations, and starting with the “good” will make it easier to manage the “bad,” especially with good data to guide and encourage you. If your body is telling you that you’re older now, March – National Nutrition Month – is the perfect time to get started with Mature Eating..
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Dr. Hyung Kim is a devoted family man, former hospital system president, and a physician at GenAge Center, a medical practice specializing in longevity, health and wellness. He is triple board-certified by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, and the American Board of Internal Medicine. His M.D. is from Johns Hopkins, and his M.B.A. from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!).
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