A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is important no matter how old you are, however, experts point out that certain foods are especially important at certain times in life.
The food you should eat in your twenties
Do you think that just because you are young and your metabolism is at full strength, you do not have to worry about nutrition? Think again, says Dr. Keith Kantor, food scientist and CEO of NAMED, a program designed to help people battling food addiction. “This is a critical decade for young adults. What you eat now is the basis for potential future health problems,” Kantor explained. Fruits and vegetables should be your first choice, as these foods provide nutrients to your body and brain that are still evolving. It is also important to drink plenty of water because it carries nutrients throughout the body, controls appetite and cravings, and boosts athletic performances and the brain.
Foods to avoid in your twenties
It is okay to treat yourself with sweets from time to time, but try to avoid fried foods, pastries and sweets. It is especially important to stop consuming sugary drinks, such as coffee-spiced drinks, sodas, sports drinks, and even fruit juice.
In addition, drinking too much alcohol can lead to sleep problems and unwanted weight gain, not to mention the damage to the liver that will haunt you for decades to come, says Ginger Hultin, dietitian, nutritionist and trainer.
The food you should eat in your thirties
According to Dr.Kantor the thirties are when most people start to have problems with their metabolism and thanks to the slowdown and increased stress and starting a family, they start to gain weight. To avoid this, include as many fiber-rich foods as possible, such as spinach or kale and avocado. “Healthy fats from olive oil, nuts and seeds, along with fiber, will help you control your weight by avoiding bouts of hunger and reducing cravings for sugary or unhealthy foods,” he said.
To keep your skin looking fresh, rested and youthful, choose foods rich in collagen and vitamin C and eat plenty of citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli and peppers.
Food to avoid in the thirties
After a long, stressful day, it may be tempting to grab a slice of pizza and relax with wine, but excessive consumption of alcohol and processed foods are the main enemies in your 30s. These foods can provide temporary relief from stress, but they will harm your health in the long run, mentally and physically. Also, caffeine is not your friend. Excessive caffeine consumption can dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep, which is crucial, especially during stressful times in life.
The food you should eat in your forties
The forties are halfway between puberty and middle age, and as your body prepares for this transition, expect your hormones to disappear – especially estrogen and testosterone. Helps to stabilize hormone levels are made possible by eating vegetables, with an emphasis on cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and kale, as they have been shown to naturally help remove excess hormones and can prevent cancer. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids will help soothe inflammation, build an immune system and improve the appearance of your skin, therefore, pay attention to consuming foods such as salmon, hazelnuts, anchovies and sardines or nuts, flax and chia seeds.
Foods to Avoid in Your Forties
It is high time to give up processed foods rich in sugar and fast food. Another thing to look out for during this decade is salt intake. Too much sodium is associated with high blood pressure, bloating and weight gain.
The food you should eat in your fifties
The fifties refer to bone health. Eat foods rich in calcium, including milk, white beans, salmon, sardines, dried figs, kale, peas, almonds, oranges or beets. The fibers are also important at this age. Fiber helps you feel fuller, which can help regulate your appetite, and also plays an important role in lowering cholesterol levels to support heart health, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Foods to Avoid in the Fifties
Most people at this age know that excess sugar is really bad for your health. Most of us know that sugar is delicious, and that’s the problem. Instead of giving up any sugary things in life, Dr.Hulin recommends eliminating added sugars, such as those found in sweets, juices, cookies, and other desserts.
The food you should eat in your sixties
Maintaining brain health should be the focus of your diet in your sixties. Coconut oil, avocado, nuts and seeds will help you with this. Berries are full of antioxidants, another nutrient that helps your brain and also strengthens your immune system, but at the same time reduces the risk of chronic diseases that can occur during this decade. In addition, pay attention to protein to help protect against muscle loss and maintain a healthy weight.
Foods to Avoid in the Sixties
Heart diseases are the leading killer of both men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Beware of heart diseases by eliminating excess saturated fat from your diet. They are mainly found in animal products, dairy products, palm oils and processed foods and should not exceed 10 percent of daily calories.