Our bodies can endure irregular meals and poor cleanliness until the age of 40, but after that, the body cannot handle such habits, resulting in illnesses. Therefore, if you’re a male approaching the age of 40, here’s all you need to know about food and nutrition.
Reaching 40 is an important milestone in one’s life since it brings with it knowledge and wisdom, but it also brings with it unique health difficulties as the body becomes more prone to illnesses, making it the ideal moment to focus on your health before the problems develop. Our bodies can endure irregular meals and poor cleanliness until the age of 40, but after that, men’s bodies cannot handle such behaviors, resulting in illnesses.
“Topping the age of 40 is a critical milestone in a person’s life in terms of health these days,” said Shikha Dwivedi, Dietitian, and Nutritionist at OZiva. Until the age of 40, your body can withstand the onslaught of irregular eating habits, poor sleep hygiene, substance misuse, and other factors. Nevertheless, after the age of 40, the body is unable to deal with the relentless wear and tear. Men, in particular, are prone to losing muscle mass and gaining weight when their bodies begin to generate testosterone at a lower pace. As a result, combined with blood pressure and cholesterol, the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes becomes a big issue.”
She suggested –
- Cutting back on salt might induce high blood pressure. Include leafy greens and fresh vegetables in your diet while avoiding overly processed, deep-fried meals and sugary drinks.
- Plant-based nourishment that is clean: Men typically lose 1-5% of their muscular mass by the age of 40 due to the progressive decrease of muscle cell activity. Avoid future muscle loss and stock up on much-needed endurance, energy, and better metabolism, as well as muscle regeneration, by eating meals high in protein and multivitamins on a regular basis to help you meet your overall nutritional needs. For anti-aging advantages, you can also use plant-based collagen builder supplements.
- Following basic behaviors such as eating clean, using plant-based supplements, and getting adequate sleep might help you achieve a holistic lifestyle in your 40s. Consuming 2-3 liters of water each day, engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and controlling stress levels are all good for your health and general wellness as you become older.
“With men having greater chances of getting diseases such as blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer, and heart disease, making healthier diet and lifestyle choices at this point in life will not only help you fight the infections off but also improve the quality of life as you age,” said Vijayaraghavan Venugopal, CEO and Co-Founder of Fast&Up.
He recommended the following food and nutrition advice for males approaching the age of 40:
- Increase your consumption of plant-based foods: Vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water are all found in fruits and vegetables. Fiber improves good digestion, aids in blood sugar regulation, and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Vegetables, fruits, and other plant-based foods are high in fiber and low in calories, making them an excellent choice for helping you remain full while lowering your calorie consumption. Eating a range of fruits and vegetables, such as berries and leafy greens, has extra benefits, such as keeping you hydrated.
- Limit your salt intake: While sodium is an essential component of our bodies, most of us consume much too much of it. Prepackaged and processed foods include high salt levels, which cause fluid retention, high blood pressure, and risk of heart failure. While it is not recommended to eliminate all sources of salt from the diet, one should limit their intake.
- Do you consume healthy fats? Take note of what you eat. “Good” fats, often known as unsaturated fats, are required by the body. These fats, which can be found in avocados, almonds, olive oil, and flax seed, enhance general well-being while also aiding in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, and other disorders.
- Increase your protein intake: We all know that proteins are our bodies’ building components. Protein consumption must rise when one’s muscular mass declines with age. Legumes such as black beans, kidney beans, lentils, and chickpeas, as well as nuts and seeds such as walnut, almond, chia seeds, flax seed, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, can all aid develop muscle mass. Make certain that it does not include any bad fats!
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and additional sugars: You’re better off avoiding alcohol and sugary beverages, which merely provide empty calories. Make healthier choices and avoid things like boxed juices, canned meals, sauces, and so on.
While there is no one-size-fits-all diet plan for men over 40, the suggestions above can help you live a healthier and more active lifestyle. Furthermore, obtaining enough sleep and exercise is critical to general wellness, so use these ideas on a daily basis to develop a better and healthier self!