If you’ve recently celebrated your “over the hill” birthday, then chances are you’re still getting used to all of the ways your body continues to change. While turning 50 is an accomplishment in itself and a birthday that should be celebrated fully, being in your 50s can also bring on plenty of frustration and confusion when it comes to your health.
According to the Mayo Clinic, being in your 50s means you may begin to notice changes in areas like heart health, digestion, bone health, and weight management. This may sound overwhelming, but experts can assure you that making the right diet and lifestyle changes can have an enormous impact on your health as you age.
To learn more, we talked with a handful of expert dietitians about the eating habits you may want to avoid after turning 50. And for tips beyond just the food you’re eating, try one of these Exercises To Slow Aging After 50.
Skimping on fruits and vegetables
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet can provide you with a variety of helpful nutrients and antioxidants. According to Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, and author of The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Cookbook as well as Fueling Male Fertility, produce is also pivotal as you age because of its fiber content.
“Including enough fiber can help keep bowel movements regular, which can be a challenge for older people,” says Manaker. “Because of this, skipping fruits and vegetables should be a habit that is avoided for those in the 50-and-over crowd.”
Not getting enough fiber throughout the day can also have more severe, long-term effects on your health.
“Diets low in fiber contribute to many health problems that the aging population is already prone to,” says Morgyn Clair, MS, RDN, who is a dietitian at AdventHealth West Florida.
However, fiber can help keep things like cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar in check. For instance, a review published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine concluded that diets higher in fiber may also be helpful in preventing or lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease.
