Eating healthier after 50 involves implementing simple habits that can increase your health and prevent disease.
For many people, turning 50 can be particularly challenging. This is especially true for women as they struggle with hormonal changes and menopause. One of the common challenges women face is weight gain or the inability to lose weight. Although they can experiment with a variety of treatment options to minimize their hormonal problems and help them lose weight, healthy eating is recommended for results. Also, as women age, healthy eating is important to prevent disease. The following suggestions can help anyone over 50 eat healthier.
Reduce Sodium
One of the first things you can do to eat healthier after you turn 50 is reduce your sodium intake. This will minimize the amount of water your body retains. It also decreases the likelihood of high blood pressure. When you are shopping, look for food labels that specify low sodium. Also, try flavoring your foods with garlic, spices, and other herbs instead of salt.
Eat Good Fats
Keep in mind that not all fat is bad for your body. Certain food will increase your health and protect your body. The following fatty foods are recommended for diet:
- Avocados
- Olive oil
- Flaxseed
- Walnuts
- Salmon
Avoid Bad Carbs
When you are choosing carbs for your diet, it is important to stay away from the ones that are bad for your body. These include simple carbohydrates such as ones with white flour or refined sugar. All the nutrients in these carbs have been removed. For example, white rice no longer has bran or fiber.
Add Fiber
As you age, it is important to make sure your body is getting enough fiber. This helps you avoid constipation, and it also decreases the risk of developing chronic diseases. Furthermore, foods that have fiber in them will help you to feel fuller longer.
Beware of Hidden Sugars
Most people do not realize that sugar is hidden in foods such as bread, pasta sauce, canned soups, and even vegetables. In fact, ketchup even has sugar in it. This is all in an effort to make your food taste better. However, it can add weight to your body. For this reason, it is best to purchase cans that say “sugar free” or to purchase fresh food.
Cook Smart
When you are cooking, be smart. Make sure to use methods that preserve the nutrients in the food. For example, if you are cooking vegetables, try steaming them or sautéing them in olive oil. This is a much better way to preserve the nutrients. If you were to boil them, the nutrients would disappear.
If you can follow these simple suggestions, eating healthy over 50 is easy. For more information on dieting as you age, contact Renew Woman™.