7 Benefits to Clean Eating for Women in Midlife

Clean Eating is a foundational pillar for preserving health during our 50s and beyond. Looking after your health and staying fit are investments in yourself and something you should not neglect, or you will find that you will regret poor health habits later.

I used to dismiss the idea of clean eating until I tried it for a month. The results blew me away. I experienced more mental clarity and increased physical well-being. With increased energy, I was able to engage in more exercise. Additionally, my sleep improved, and I found that my thoughts were clearer. I also noticed improvements in my skin. It was brighter and felt fresher. My digestion improved, and I experienced a better overall mood.

Why is Clean Eating Important?

As we reach our 50s, our bodies undergo various changes, and maintaining a nutritious diet becomes crucial for supporting optimal health. Clean eating lays the groundwork for meeting nutritional needs, promoting weight management, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases commonly associated with aging.

Here are some potential benefits of clean eating for women in midlife:

1. Satiety: Clean eating emphasizes nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These provide essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health. Nutrient-dense foods sustain satiety, curbing the constant urge for snacks and mitigating the risk of accumulating excess pounds.
2. Energy Levels: Choosing whole foods over processed ones can help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes and promoting sustained energy throughout the day. Increased energy levels helps you to engage in exercise and navigate through the day with heightened vitality.
3. Bone Health: Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, found in many whole foods, is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones, which becomes particularly important as we age.
4. Heart Health: Clean eating often includes heart-healthy fats, like those found in avocados and nuts, which can contribute to cardiovascular health and are crucial for women in midlife. High blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease, is twice as common in obese adults than in those who are at a healthy weight.
5. Weight Management: As metabolism tends to slow down with age, clean eating can support metabolic health. Whole, nutrient-dense foods provide the energy needed for bodily functions and can help maintain a healthy weight, crucial for metabolic well-being.
6. Hormonal Balance: Clean eating can positively influence hormonal balance by providing the necessary nutrients for hormone production and regulation. Whole foods, rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, may contribute to hormonal stability during the hormonal shifts associated with menopause.
7. Gut Health: A diet rich in fiber from whole foods supports gut health, aiding digestion and absorption of nutrients, and may contribute to a reduced risk of digestive issues.

The food you eat will either heal you or slow you down. Making small adjustments to what you consume can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. Eating well does not have to take any time from your schedule, and you will feel much healthier when you eat the right foods in the right quantity.

An article from the Cleveland Clinic emphasises focusing on food groups that are packed with nutrition, such as beans or vegetables, Dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD says “Variety is key. For instance, don’t limit yourself to eating the same few veggies; instead, challenge yourself to choose a different vegetable every day. You don’t want to eat the same specific foods every day.”

What is Clean Eating?

Clean eating is a nutritional philosophy centered around consuming whole, unprocessed foods while avoiding highly processed or refined options. The principles of clean eating promote the consumption of nutrient-dense, wholesome foods in their most natural state. Here are some key principles:

1. Whole Foods: Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods retain their natural nutrients and are free from additives.
2. Minimally Processed: When choosing processed foods, opt for those with minimal ingredients and processing. Look for items with recognizable, simple ingredients. This includes ready-made meals, baked goods, packaged foods, processed meats, & sodas. If the ingredient list is a mile long, avoid it!
3. Limit Additives: Avoid or minimize the intake of artificial preservatives, colors, sweeteners, and flavorings. Choose foods with ingredients you recognize and can pronounce.
4. Balanced Nutrition: Strive for a balanced intake of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to support overall health.
5. Upgrade your oils: Cook only with avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil (best for low temps), or ghee.

Clean Eating in Midlife

Women in midlife have unique nutritional needs that are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Here’s a closer look at specific nutritional requirements, including calcium for bone health, omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, and antioxidants for cellular protection.

1. Calcium for Bone Health:
   • Importance: During midlife and beyond, women are at an increased risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones. Calcium is crucial for maintaining bone density and strength.
   • Dietary Sources: Include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, almonds, and fortified foods in your diet to ensure an adequate intake of calcium.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Heart Health:
   • Importance: Heart health becomes a priority in midlife, and omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in supporting cardiovascular function. They can help reduce inflammation, lower triglyceride levels, and support overall heart health.
   • Dietary Sources: Incorporate fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts into your diet to increase omega-3 fatty acid intake.
3. Antioxidants for Cellular Protection:
   • Importance: Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress, which becomes increasingly relevant as women age. They play a role in maintaining skin health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
   • Dietary Sources: Include a variety of fruits and vegetables, particularly those rich in vitamins C and E, such as berries, citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds.
   

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More Good Food Choices

In addition to these specific nutrients, it’s crucial for women in midlife to consider overall dietary choices for weight management and managing menopausal symptoms:

1. Maintaining a Healthy Weight:
   • Importance: Weight management is essential for overall health, especially during midlife. It can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
   • Dietary Strategies: Focus on a balanced diet with appropriate portions, emphasizing whole foods, lean proteins, and fiber-rich foods. Stay hydrated and engage in regular physical activity to support weight management.
2. Managing Menopausal Symptoms:
   • Importance: Menopause brings about hormonal changes that can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in metabolism. Dietary choices can help manage these symptoms.
   • Dietary Strategies: Include foods rich in phytoestrogens (found in soy products, flaxseeds, and whole grains), manage caffeine and alcohol intake, and ensure an adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium for bone health

You should also increase your input of protein, minerals and vitamins. To do this, it is good to eat more fruits and vegetables and substitute red meat for fish and chicken. These choices offer a protein boost with fewer calories and less fat.

One of the most important parts of changing your diet is to completely eliminate junk food. This will include candy, chips, popcorn, ice cream, milkshakes and soda. You can substitute fruits and vegetable snacks instead. Instead of sodas, you can drink water or dilute juice with water for flavour. You will find this makes a huge difference in your sugar and fat intake.

You will feel healthier and have more energy when you change your diet. At first you may feel a little different with the extra fiber and complete change in food but this will soon pass and your body will work better and more efficiently. Soon, you’ll experience heightened energy levels and an overall sense of well-being, transforming into a newer, healthier version of yourself.

Transitioning to Clean Eating

Transitioning to a clean eating lifestyle involves adopting mindful habits and making informed choices. Here are practical tips to help you embrace clean eating:

1. Meal Planning:
   • Plan Ahead: Schedule time for meal planning each week. Consider your schedule, choose recipes, and create a shopping list to avoid last-minute unhealthy food choices.
   • Batch Cooking: Prepare larger quantities of meals and freeze portions for later. This helps you have nutritious options available on busy days.
2. Mindful Eating:
   • Eat Slowly: Take your time during meals. Eating slowly allows your body to recognize when it’s full, preventing overeating.
   • Savor Flavors: Appreciate the taste and texture of your food. Mindful eating enhances your connection with the eating experience.
3. Read Food Labels:
   • Ingredients List: Focus on the ingredients list. Choose products with fewer and recognizable ingredients, avoiding those with added preservatives and artificial additives.
   • Nutritional Information: Pay attention to nutritional content. Opt for foods rich in nutrients and fiber and lower in added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats.
4. Staying Hydrated:
   • Water is Key: Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Water supports digestion, helps maintain energy levels, and aids in overall bodily functions.
   • Limit Sugary Drinks: Reduce the consumption of sugary beverages. Opt for water, herbal teas, or infused water for added flavor without added sugars.
5. Reducing Sugar and Processed Food Consumption:
   • Natural Sweeteners: Choose natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation. Be cautious of hidden sugars in processed foods.
   • Whole Foods: Emphasize whole, unprocessed foods. These provide essential nutrients without the excessive sugars and additives found in many processed options.

Conclusion

Clean eating is a holistic approach to nutrition that focuses on consuming whole, minimally processed foods and avoiding highly processed or refined ones. For women in midlife, prioritizing clean eating can have significant benefits for their health and overall well-being. Remember, the key is gradual progress. Start by making small changes, and over time, these habits will become a natural part of your lifestyle. It’s crucial to note that individual nutritional needs may vary, and consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance based on specific health considerations.