Healthy eating tips
As you get older, you may lose interest in cooking and have a reduced appetite.
If you only cook for one or two people, you may not be motivated to make healthy, nourishing meals all the time.
It’s a good idea to have staple ingredients in your pantry and fridge that can be used in different ways. For example:
- eggs
- plain yoghurt (add to soups, salads and fruit)
- rice (try different varieties such as brown, red or black)
- pasta
- canned fish (e.g. sardines, tuna and salmon)
- canned legumes (e.g. chickpeas and lentils)
- canned vegetables (reduced salt)
- canned fruit (in juice, not syrup)
- low-salt sauces (e.g. soy sauce)
- vegetable oil (e.g. olive or canola oil).
You can also find healthy, nutritious recipes at:
The Mediterranean diet
There are many health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet. This diet includes lots of vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils and nuts. It also includes whole grains (e.g. whole-wheat bread and brown rice) plus extra virgin olive oil, fish and seafood.
Recent studies suggest the combination of foods in the Mediterranean diet help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases related to obesity (e.g. bowel cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes). Research also shows this diet promotes healthy ageing and increases life expectancy.
Learn more about the Mediterranean diet, an evidence-based diet for life and living.