Fitness is surely an attitude! Attitude often influences how one responds to exercise, becomes motivated, and stays active. Getting into the groove can be a big challenge, we may want to throw ourselves into a vigorous exercise routine but in the long run, that might not be sustainable. The goal is to fit fitness into the weekly routines that you’re already used to, that way you can start off slow and find what works best for you! Set a clear target and celebrate the small wins but remember, it’s not a race or competition… we all start somewhere!

There is a great relationship between exercising and our physical/mental health. Maintaining a positive attitude towards fitness is essential and it begins with our thoughts. We need to train our brains to realize that what we do NOW, affects us later. Maintaining that positive attitude towards fitness can help us to stay motivated, encourage us to keep going, and reach the goals we set for ourselves. The mind and body are our tools to stay healthy and active and in order to use them, we must give them the fuel by getting up, out, and active! When you make small changes and create space to fit fitness into your life, you will begin to see gradual progress! Our bodies take care of us, now let’s take care of it!

FIND YOUR WHY!
Whether for health reasons or otherwise, try to always keep in mind the reason you started increasing your exercise levels and use it to motivate yourself. Get active to be healthy, stay independent, and improve the many aspects of life. Look for things to boost your attitude towards fitness. It doesn’t have to be boring, here are a million and one ways to stay active and something is always better than nothing!

At Harbour Landing Village, we have made it our commitment to instill a positive attitude in our residents towards physical activity and exercise. We provide numerous enjoyable physical activities and group exercises daily; which has graciously encouraged a positive mindset regarding fitness! We intentionally provide guidance and knowledge for our residents on the benefits of each and every activity they engage in, which makes it easier to make a decision on the physical activities they choose. In addition to that, there’s a gorgeous, perfectly sized walking path right outside our building which makes for a great stroll. Check it out sometime!

Go easy on yourself and have fun with it!

Good luck!

Good nutrition is important at any age but becomes even more so as we reach midlife and beyond. Eating well and drinking plenty of water gives you energy and can help you control your weight. It may also help prevent some diseases, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Not only does it keep your body and mind healthy, but eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be about dieting and sacrifice. Rather, it should be all about enjoying fresh, tasty, and wholesome foods in the company of friends and family. We can make everyday choices for ourselves and our families that make a real difference in our ability to remain healthy and enjoy life to the fullest. No matter where you’re starting from, eating well is healthy living and leads to improvements in how you think and feel.

It can be as simple as choosing a healthier alternative when we get the munchies, adding a slice of lemon to a glass of water, or making room for more fruits and vegetables on the plate. We often forget that what we are putting into our bodies is the fuel we need to go about our days. Those little changes to our eating habits can make a big difference in the long run.

Here are some simple and easy actions we’ve come up with to help make healthy choices: 

• Consider making substitutions. Instead of fries as your side, a green leafy strawberry salad can be a better option.
• Keep an eye on the extra salt and sugar that you’re adding to your dish. Low salt or sugar-free items are the way to go.
• Go for whole grains instead of white bread or rice.
• Make your plate colorful and keep the four food groups in mind! Typically, the brighter the color of the food, the more nutritious it is.
• Drink more water. Sometimes we may think we’re hungry but all our body needs is a nice refreshing glass of water. Stay hydrated and drink, drink, drink!
• Lastly, if you’re unsure and need some guidance don’t be afraid to ask your server for tips and tricks to healthy-up your meal!

At Harbour Landing Village, we look out for the health and well-being of our residents, and the food they’re eating is a big part of that! In relation to this month’s theme of eating well to live well, we’ve provided the resources throughout the month to learn more about what’s going into our bodies and the opportunity to make healthier choices. To name just a few, we’ve listened to invited professionals speak about the topic, nutritional pamphlets have been placed at every dinner table to promote healthy eating, nutritious delicious snacks are prepared for the snack table and events, and so much more. With the help of our Red Seal certified Chef, Chris Miller, Roots Kitchen & Bar, plans, prepares, cooks, and serves meals with this in mind. At the very start of May, we will be launching Roots En-Route.

It’s a senior meal-to-go delivery service that offers great-tasting food from your local restaurant, Roots Kitchen and Bar. These fresh, delicious, and nutritious meals can be easily reheated and stored in the fridge or freezer for later. Click here for details.

We place health and safety at the top of priorities because healthy eating is important for anyone as they grow and age, building and contributing to their future selves. The entire Harbour Landing Community and every Reginian’s dining needs are at the heart of this establishment, knowing eating does not have to be all about dieting and sacrifice but rather enjoying fresh, tasty food and wholesome ingredients.

Remember, you are what you eat.  Eat to live, feel and be well! 

Reference: https://medlineplus.gov/nutritionfor olderadults.html