Turning 50 is a milestone that the whole family celebrates. It also is a time to see where you can change for a healthier life as you approach your senior years.

This half-century mark also paves the way for getting in touch with your health and well-being. Even if you have enjoyed a healthy 50 years, this age is a reminder as well to take stock of your diet and nutrition choices as this age also marks many changes.

To help you determine what you need, a visit to the doctor is necessary. You may also consult with a dietitian or nutritionist to check in with them what changes you need to go through in terms of your eating choices.

To help you out, we have prepared some tips:

10 Nutrition Tips for Healthier Life After 50

1. Protect your bones. As you age, your bones weaken due to decreased movement and mineral loss. Increase Vitamin D and calcium intake, and this means eat food that are high, in or are fortified with, these minerals.

2. Favor fiber. One of the most common diseases in people over 50 is diabetes. Fiber helps in slowing down the release of sugar in the bloodstream, which then helps stabilize and decrease blood sugar levels. Furthermore, fiber promotes regular bowel movements, as well as improves digestion, lowers cholesterol, and maintain healthy weight.

3. Say no to salt. Lowering salt intake helps you have a heart-healthy diet and a healthier life overall. Instead of this condiment, choose garlic powder, dill, paprika, pepper, herbs, or citrus to flavor your food. Be aware of hidden sodium in packaged and prepared food as well. If you can, prioritize home-cooking meals instead of eating out.

4. Check on your B12. You may be feeling lethargic due to low Vitamin B12. Becoming low in energy or deficient in this nutrient can cause you to have decreased activity, which can lead to other health issues.

5. Consider gut health. Include probiotics in your diet. These are natural, non-digestible food components that enhance your gastrointestinal function and calcium absorption.

6. Improve immunity. When you get sick at this age, it can be harder to recover as when you were younger. Therefore, it’s best to keep yourself protected from diseases by improving immunity and preventing inflammation.

7. Consider nutrient-packed smoothies. You can boost your smoothies with nutrients by adding fruits and vegetables. This makes these food much easier to ingest and digest. The combinations are limitless and you can customize your ingredients to suit your specific dietary requirements.

8. Take care of your skin. Slow down the effects of aging on your skin by adding bell peppers, cruciferous vegetables, sunflower seeds, almonds, and berries into your diet.

9. Watch your weight. Most important of all, consider weight management into your diet. At this point in your life, your metabolism is slower and your activity levels are low as well. This is why you have to watch your calorie intake and tailor it to your lifestyle and activity level.

10. Sustain a healthy diet. Maintaining a healthy diet is always challenging at any age. It could even be harder for older adults whose eating habits have been unchanged for many years. However, it’s important to understand and accept what needs to change. Introduce these changes gradually until it merges into a new, healthier lifestyle.

At Blessed Home, we provide a healthy diet for our clients. We create a nutritional plan that is tailored to their specific needs. Talk to us to learn more.