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Follow Canada ’ s Food Guide ( which is based on current scientific evidence ) to get the nutrients you need to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and promote good overall health .
Eat regular balanced meals and healthy snacks , ideally going no longer than three hours without eating . This practice improves satiety , reducing the temptation to tuck into quick and easy foods that are often not the best choices . Limit use of processed or prepared foods and beverages high in sodium , sugar , and / or saturated fats .
Stay hydrated with an adequate amount of fluid each day . Thirst might be masked as hunger . As Canada ’ s Food Guide says , make water your drink of choice .
Alberta Health Services has an excellent four-page resource with useful nutrition and hydration ideas ( see sidebar ).
Exercise ! Activity plays an important role in weight management at any age and offers many other health benefits . You don ’ t have to run a marathon . Find an activity that you enjoy , and try to move your body regularly . For more ideas , see Canada . ca ’ s physical activity tips for older adults ( see sidebar for URL ).
Before you begin any weight loss program , talk to your medical health practitioner . You might also ask to see a registered dietitian for personal guidance and advice .
Unfortunately , there is no magic pill or formula for easy weight loss . Whatever plan you choose , make sure that it ’ s good for your long-term health . Even if it takes some time , once you start seeing results , you ’ ll be glad you made a healthy choice !
Older Adults : Nutrition and Hydration bit . ly / AHSNutrition
Physical activity tips for older adults ( 65 years and older )
bit . ly / 65PlusActivities
ARTACares is included at no additional cost with all ARTA Extended Health Care Benefit Plans and is provided by HumanaCare , an Alberta-based health and wellness provider with more than thirty-five years of Canadian health-care experience . For more information , visit wellness . mylifeexpert . com / login / artacares . news & views WINTER 2023 | 47