Reaching your 40s is both empowering and, well, I hate to admit it, scary. The uncertainties that lie ahead are incredibly nerve-racking, especially those that involve your health and fitness.
Even though you’ve been eating healthy throughout your younger years, age can still take its toll on your health. For instance, metabolism for women and men is relatively slower. Also, women in their 40s lose a pound of muscle yearly.
Moreover, men are also prone to diet-related diseases such as cancer or heart disease. Both men and women have to deal with blood pressure, cholesterol, and all the other health culprits when we stop physical exercises at this age.
But even though you’re still physically active in your 40s, it’s still recommended to change your diet to a healthier one. Here are some foods you can try when you’ve reached the golden age of 40:
1) Spinach
You may have been devouring your favorite fast food dishes and buffets from private party locations in your early years.
However, it’s time to put a halt to these unhealthy habits. Make sure that you’re leaning more towards a plant-based diet. Instead of munching on quick and processed comfort food, try eating more greens like spinach.
Spinach is high in carotenoids, which the body can transform into vitamin A. It is also filled with other vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin K1, and more.
2) Olive Oil
Cooking your own food is recommended at this age and even at an early age because you know what you put in your food.
Compared to dishes served in restaurants, you’ll never identify the different unhealthy ingredients or even the oil used for cooking.
That being said, cook your own food using olive oil. While olive oil is mainly used for salads and other dressings, substitute this with your fatty cooking oils.
Why? Here are some benefits:
- Antioxidants;
- Monounsaturated fats;
- Anti-inflammatory properties;
- Oxidative properties.
3) Carrots
When you reach your 40s, your vision might not be the same as when you were in your 20s. But don’t fret. By simply incorporating carrots into your diet, you can reach your recommended vitamin A daily.
Carrots contain a lot of beta-carotene. Vitamin A keeps your skin smooth, preventing wrinkles. And we all know the 40s may lead to more wrinkles.
4) Turmeric
On top of your healthy food choices, you must also choose healthier drinks when you reach the age of 40. Throw away those alcoholic beverages, fizzy drinks, and energy drinks hanging around in your kitchen cupboard.
Replace them with turmeric tea. Here are some health benefits of turmeric:
- Contains a lot of bioactive compounds;
- A natural anti-inflammatory;
- Increases the body’s antioxidant capacity;
- It may also help prevent cancer;
- Lessens arthritis symptoms due to anti-inflammatory properties;
- Steadies ulcerative colitis remission;
- Boosts immune system.
5) Salmon
We all know how much you love your meat. And don’t worry as you can still continue eating them. However, you can replace them with healthier meat options like white meat such as salmon. There are other fatty fish you must avoid, and salmon isn’t one of them.
If anything, salmon offers you a myriad of health benefits. It’s filled with omega-3 fatty acids that can promote a healthy heart. Salmon may also prevent brain and memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Salmon is also rich in astaxanthin, which can promote bone health and avoid muscle loss.
6) Apples
Fruits should be part of your diet when you’re in your 40s. This is because some fruits contain many nutrients to fuel your body and help it function. One fruit that’s not too laden with sugar is apples.
It’s good for the heart and the gut due to its prebiotic components. Moreover, one 100-gram apple only contains 52 calories! And when you’re aging, you need to stick to several calories per day to prevent heart diseases and issues.
7) Walnuts
Protein is also another vital element you should include in your diet. It contains vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and fiber. Compared to other nuts, walnuts have some relatively higher anti-oxidant properties.
Also, it has the right amount of omega-3 fatty acids needed for your body. Finally, it can prevent the onset of diseases caused by inflammation, such as type 2 diabetes, gut issues, and more due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Author Bio:
Eliza Brooks is an avid blogger and an informative content writer who loves to write about travel, health, food, culture, and more. She is currently working with Jakers, the leading local restaurant in Idaho.
