Without question, there is plenty to do at Beacon Hill. An indoor aquatic center. A salon and spa. Chapel services. Fitness classes. The Studio, The Vistas Theatre, and The Woodshop. You name it, you’ll likely find it here.
To enjoy all of these offerings, among many others, you must maintain your health and energy though. The best way to do so, along with exercising? Focus on what you eat.
Whether you cook your own meals, eat at Beacon Hill’s four onsite restaurants and food truck, or order in-room service, keep the following in mind.
Antioxidants will Reduce Free Radicals. Free radicals, otherwise known as unstable molecules, may damage your body’s cells, leading to various illnesses,. In order to protect your body from these molecules, strive to increase your intake of antioxidants—with foods like brightly colored fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Macronutrients will Increase Your Energy. For energy, you need three primary macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Focus on eating foods like avocados, beans, chicken, eggs, fish, and lentils (in addition to foods that are rich in antioxidants).
Micronutrients will Provide Nutrition Your Body Needs. Your body simply can’t create enough of certain nutrients and vitamins (roughly 30 in all) on its own. Some include calcium, folate, iodine, iron, vitamins A, B12, C, D, E, and K, and zinc. With this in mind, ensure your diet features these micronutrients.
Specific Diets will Support Various Health Conditions. Depending on your health condition(s), consider one (or more) of the following diets.
- Anti-inflammatory Diet. If you have chronic inflammatory issues, you should eat foods that have been proven to reduce inflammation, from fatty fish, nuts, and olive oils, to fruits, seeds, and vegetables. Furthermore, avoid processed foods and unhealthy fats as much as possible.
- DASH Diet. Also known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, DASH requires you to eat more fruits, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, vegetables, and whole grains—and fewer meals that are high in saturated fats, sodium, and sugar.
- High-fiber Diet. If you have digestive issues or high cholesterol or sugar levels, you should consider this diet, which is dedicated to increasing your fruit, legume, nut, vegetable, and whole grain consumption.
- Low-sodium Diet. This diet is mainly committed to reducing (or even eliminating) certain foods from your diet, including packaged and processed foods that typically have high amounts of salt.
- Mediterranean Diet. Although this diet will require you to minimize red meats and processed foods, it includes plenty of delicious options like avocados, brown rice, chicken, fish, and quinoa. Don’t forget about foods that provide healthy fats too, such as nuts and olive oil.
- MIND Diet. To increase your mental sharpness, consider the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet, which includes berries, fish, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains—all known for positively impacting brain health.
As you implement one or more of these diets (or perhaps various components of each), don’t forget to remain hydrated as well, whether you choose to drink water or nutritious broths, fruit and vegetable juices, and soups.
Before making changes to your diet, speak to your healthcare provider. They will be able to help guide you on choosing which diet will work best with your lifestyle, health conditions, and any medications you’re taking. The diet tips listed above are a great conversation starter that will help you be informed at your next appointment.
Once you’ve spoken to your provider and found the most suitable diet, it’s time to focus on your next goal: enjoy your vitality and fully relish everything that Beacon Hill has to offer!
