The biggest myth most people fall prey to is the belief that something called “the perfect diet” actually exists. No 2 human bodies are the same and certainly, what is the best diet for one person may not be in the best interest of another.
However, depending on your age, there are some food items you should avoid and others you should include in your daily diet to stay fit and healthy.
We have sorted food items and diets one should follow into various age groups and would like to pass on the information to you.
1. In teenage years
At this stage, your body is growing and developing which is why you need a lot of nutrients. This also happens to be the time when people start missing breakfast and eating a diet mainly consisting of junk food, which is wrong.
If you are in this age group, make it a habit of having breakfast every day. You don’t have to give up your favorite snacks but consider cutting down on the quantity. Include calcium, protein, and iron-rich foods in your diet.
2. In your 20s
When you’re in your 20s, it’s time to make junk food healthy! Switch out your potato chips for popcorn or sweet potato wedges, milk chocolate for dark chocolate, yogurt in place of ice-cream, and consume chicken cooked on a rotisserie. Include foods rich in omega-3 fats and folic acid to your diets, like leafy greens, bread, pasta, walnuts, salmon, and chia seeds.
3. In your 30s
To support the bodily changes that happen during this age, include foods that build muscle and make bones stronger in your diet. Protein-rich items like eggs, seeds, nuts, soy products, chicken breast, and quinoa are your friends. Milk and yogurt are essential for bone strengthening but if needed, consider taking calcium and protein supplements.
4. In your 40s
To regulate your blood sugar level and boost your metabolism, at this stage, make sure you include fiber in your diet. Items like broccoli, whole grains, and potatoes with skin will easily give you that. Junk food should be avoided but as a treat, you can have veggie burgers! They are healthy and rich in the fiber your body needs. Instead of ordering out, try making your own healthy burgers at home. Other food items you can consume are healthy homemade sandwiches, non-fat dairy products, and tons of fruits and veggies. In every meal, make sure you include protein.
5. In your 50s
6. When you’re 60+
When you’re at this stage, make sure to include 5 portions of vegetables and 2 portions of fruit in your diet every day. Consume items rich in iron like spinach, lentils, and beans. Soybeans and leafy greens will help you stay fit as well. In addition to these, cut down on your salt intake. Check for added salt in items before you buy them as well. Drink more water and avoid junk and sweet food as much as you can.
Are you following the right diet plan according to your age? How often do you “treat yourself” to junk food?
