The fuel your body needs now isn't necessarily the same as ten years from now—or ten years ago. Your dietary needs change throughout life's different stages, and knowing how your eating habits need to evolve can help you stay healthy.
Here, we're covering how to adapt your diet to where you're at in life, all while saving time and energy.
The Foundation of a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet is key for all of life's stages. What is a balanced diet? There are four key players:
-
Healthy fats: To keep your brain and energy levels on point, your body needs healthy fats that can be found in foods like nuts, seeds, and avocados.
-
Proteins: Lean meats, plant-based proteins, eggs, and other healthy sources of protein are essential for building and repairing tissue.
-
Vitamins & minerals: Here, we're talking about the unsung heroes in your berries and leafy greens that keep your body running smoothly.
-
Complex carbs: There's nothing complex about complex carbs—your body needs them, period. And sources like grains, veggies, and sweet potatoes provide just what a balanced diet requires.
So there you have it, the foundation for a healthy diet. However, diet and aging go hand in hand; as you age, your specific needs for each of the key players above will shift.
Childhood & Adolescence: Growing Like Weeds
Thanks to growth spurts, kids and teens need all the fuel they can get. When it comes to a balanced diet for different age groups, here's what to feed your younger family members:
-
Protein to help with muscle and tissue growth
-
Calcium and Vitamin D, the building blocks of strong bones
-
Iron, the key to keeping energy up and red blood cells healthy
20s & 30s: Hustle and Muscle
At this stage of life, you may be thinking about following an anti-aging diet. However, since your body is likely all about prioritizing energy, performance, and recovery, you don't necessarily need to be concerned about aging but more focused on getting enough:
-
Protein to help repair muscles after busy days or workouts
-
Complex carbs to keep energy up without a sugar crash
-
Antioxidants to ensure cells can fight off daily stressors with no problem
Pro tip: Leave the meal prep to us! Subscribing to our fully-cooked meals can save you precious time (and money).
40s & 50s: Heart and Gut Health for the Win
A healthy diet for this life stage is all about maintaining what you've built while protecting your heart, gut, and bones. Therefore, it's important to prioritize:
-
Fiber to keep digestion in check
-
Omega-3s that are excellent for heart health
-
Calcium to keep bones strong
You might want to consider a subscription to our Whole30-friendly meals that are nutrient-packed. They're an easy way to stay on track!
60s & Beyond: Strength for the Golden Years
As you head into your golden years, an age-appropriate diet can keep you strong and energized while reducing inflammation. Make sure to get adequate amounts of:
-
Vitamin B12, as it supports both nerve function and energy
-
Vitamin D and calcium to continue to support bone health
-
Omega-3s to keep your brain sharp
If you're looking to cut down on cooking so you can spend more time enjoying retirement, consider our a la carte meals. You can order a few times a week to not only save time but also shake up your weekly menu.
Make Healthy Eating Effortless
Spend less time focused on prepping and cooking the right food for the life stage you're in and more time enjoying that stage! Our balanced meals support your overall well-being and are oh-so-convenient—just heat and enjoy. Get started today!