Once you hit 50, sticking to a nutrient-dense diet is key – here are the foods that will help to protect you against age-related conditions When we hit midlife the foods we love don’t always love us back. That Friday-night takeaway sits a little heavier in the belly; those on-the-go sugary treats can leave us feeling lethargic. It’s a biological fact that our nutritional needs change as we age.
Not only does our energy decrease as we lose muscle mass (a condition known as sarcopenia), but our ability to absorb nutrients declines too. The upshot? We need more nutrition from fewer calories. Choosing nutrient-dense whole foods – particularly those containing healthy fats, lean protein, fibre and the key micronutrients we need to age well, such as B vitamins, vitamin D and calcium – is the best way to address this problem.
Here are my ‘favourite five’ for midlife health; everyday foods that tick all the nutritional boxes and a few quick ways to enjoy them..