Here’s the bad news: making the switch to eating a healthy diet can get more difficult as you age. The good news is that it’s never too late to start adopting the healthy eating tips listed below, and other healthy habits.
Many clinical research results show that you can get all of the benefits of eating healthy foods and being more physically active no matter when you start.
If you need any more motivation to eat healthy meals, the damage done by unhealthy eating can have more severe consequences as you get into your 50s and beyond. For example, the inflammation triggered by many processed foods will have you groaning sooner than later every time you get up from the couch. And let’s not even talk about your risks of heart disease, diabetes and other serious ailments.
5 Healthy Eating Tips for Your 50s
Not only are the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle more pronounced in your 50s, but it is also more difficult to counteract the problems. So the sooner you start using the following tips, the less of a chore it will be to stay healthy.
Eat More Vegetables High in Fibre, Vitamins and Minerals
Menopause and andropause can really upset your hormone balance and trigger a number of unwanted emotional and physical changes. High-fibre, nutrient-rich vegetables, including Brussel sprouts, cabbage and broccoli, help bring things back into balance.
The fibre helps you feel full for longer after you eat, which helps you to avoid hunger pangs and eat fewer calories. The nutrients, especially calcium, folate, magnesium and antioxidants help you manage age-related issues and overall health.
Add Turmeric
The inflammation we mentioned earlier doesn’t just make you groan and grimace. It is also believed to help cause cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric is one of the best natural anti-inflammatory foods you can eat.
Get Some Zinc
Foods like oysters, crabs, lobster and cashew nuts are high in zinc, which also helps stabilize your hormone levels.
Less Animal Protein, More Plant-Based Protein
We all need protein at all ages. But, as we get older, animal protein can slow down your metabolism, which can sap the energy you need to stay more active. Whole grains, lentils and beans can give you all the protein you would normally get from red meat, but with other healthful nutrients and minerals to support your body and energy levels.
Stop Eating Junk Food
First, junk food is bad for you. It can lead to problems like weight gain, inflammation and diabetes. Second, when you eat junk food, you eat fewer fresh fruits and vegetables, which you need to help with weight loss, support your bones and joints, and keep hormones and blood sugar in check.
So eating junk food is like two strikes against you, and strike three can be real problems for your weight and health,! Instead, look for healthy substitutes. Fruits, vegetables and legumes, including bananas, berries, chickpeas and nuts, eggs, and even some low-sugar breakfast cereals, will help you feel full before you eat too much, deliver a long list of vitamins and nutrients, and help you lose weight and keep it off.
The nutritional consultants at your nearest Herbal One location will create a diet plan that’s appropriate for your age, health and weight loss goals.
For another healthy eating tip, check out our article “5 Top Health Benefits of Garlic”.