As a woman ages, her body will undergo significant changes with several side effects. New and different approaches may need to be taken to maintain a healthy life. You may need to consider a specific diet to ensure you receive all the necessary nutrients.
Women can alter their diets to better adapt to the natural changes their bodies will experience. If you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the following are the best diets for women over 50:
- Mediterranean
This diet is excellent for heart health and can help prevent diabetes and cancer. No food groups will be restricted or eliminated as this diet encourages everything in moderation. Complex Carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables are emphasized, as are whole grains. These food items contain sufficient fibre, leaving you feeling full for longer.
Omega-3 fats are also a big part of this diet and can be found in fish and olive oil. These are very important as they assist with hormone production and help fight muscle loss which happens with age.
- Paleo
This diet is high in protein and is a low carbohydrate meal plan rich in eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts and unprocessed meat. This diet is ideal for women who are in their 50s and dealing with insulin resistance, and are unable to process carbs the way they were before.
The Paleo Diet emphasizes protein and limits soy and dairy, which will help women undergoing hormonal changes. Excess soy and hormones found in conventional dairy products can lead to high estrogen levels, so many women will store weight in their thighs and hips. This diet also includes good fats to promote healthy hormone production.
- Whole Foods
This is a clean diet that avoids all processed foods to prevent inflammation. A whole food diet would help manage hormones because the foods do not have antibiotics or preservatives.
Packaged foods are not allowed, and focus is placed on real food products like fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, whole grains and healthy fats. This will result in less refined sugars, better blood sugar stability, and less stored abdominal fat.
- Autoimmune Protocol
The focus of this diet is to repair the gut and decrease inflammation which can be very helpful with the hormonal changes women in their 50s experience. This diet can also remove toxic and trigger foods like refined sugars and processed foods. Finally, this diet can also support your immune system, decreasing illness as you age.
- Higher Protein/Moderate Carbohydrate
This diet will help the body during its natural aging process as higher protein levels will support your body’s muscle mass, decreasing as we age. This diet will also keep you full, reducing the amount of food you consume.
Here at UpMeals, we provide our clients with healthy prepared meals and do all the cooking and thinking for you so that you can live your best life and eat all the right foods. Our meal kits will allow you to maintain a healthy diet so if you are looking for food delivery services in Canada, view our weekly menu or start by searching your postal code for healthy meal delivery to find out more!