Baby boomers can eat their way to better health
News Canada (NC)-A healthy lifestyle is key to reducing the risk of illness and chronic disease. By reducing excess intake of calories, saturated fat, sodium and simple sugars and increasing intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean meats, baby boomers may help reduce their risk of developing heart disease, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis.

A diet low in saturated fat is among the top recommendations from health professionals to promote heart health and reduce the risk of cancer. Registered dietitian and baby boomer Susie Langley recognizes the challenge of keeping active and eating well, but argues that with just a little more effort boomers could be better off in the long run.

"Baby boomers have a lot to take into account when grocery shopping and preparing meals," says Langley. "Start by choosing a variety of foods with exceptional nutritional value at every meal. Go for lots of colour on your plate - red, green, yellow, orange, even blue and purple. And be sure to select lean cuts of meat more often. This approach can help you to achieve a healthy diet, satisfy your appetite and tantalize your taste buds."

While there is an abundant selection of healthy produce, protein options that are lean and versatile can sometimes seem limited. According to Langley, an excellent local option is Ontario produced veal.

"One of the reasons I recommend veal is because of its high nutrient density and low saturated fat content," says Langley. "It's a protein that often gets overlooked, although it should be one of the prime meats in a baby boomer's diet."

All veal cuts contain 7.5 g of fat or less per 100 g (3 1/2 oz) portion and contain a very low amount of saturated fat. Veal is also an excellent source of iron, zinc and vitamin B12 which are essential for top physical and mental performance and to boost the immune system.

"Vitamin B12, iron and zinc are essential nutrients for baby boomers," says Langley. "Vitamin B12 helps maintain a healthy brain and nervous system. Iron and zinc are key minerals needed for healthy red blood cells and oxygen transport to prevent fatigue. Zinc is especially important as we age because of its role in boosting the body's defense system to help resist illness and infections like colds and flu."

Taking into account the vitamin and mineral needs particular to the baby boomer population, Langley worked with the Ontario Veal Association to develop four new healthy recipes that include ingredients popular for their health benefits. The recipes can be customized to suit single or multiple portions, and include dishes ranging from a fast and easy Veal, Fennel and Radicchio Salad to Ground Veal Mushroom Herb Loaves perfect for smaller families. All recipes are available at www.ontariovealappeal.ca.

Incorporating lean meats such as Ontario veal into a healthy diet makes it easy to follow Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating which recommends eating two to three servings of 'Meat and Alternatives' daily.

- News Canada