10 Eating Changes to Make In Your 50s (3 of 6)

4. Power Up With Protein

Although there isn’t a stage in your life when protein isn’t relevant, your protein intake is something you absolutely do not want to neglect as an older adult. From the time we turn 40, we lose 10% of our muscle mass every decade, and so our muscles need extra protein to support strength and recovery. It is helpful to drink a protein shake once a day (either whey or plant-powder based) and eat a variety of meat- and fish-based proteins, such as lean beef, chicken breast, turkey, and fish. Plant-based options include tofu, tempeh, legumes, and seitan.

5. Cook at Home Regularly

We’re all for dining out from time to time, such as when you’re marking a special occasion. But if you want to maintain a healthy diet, there’s no better option than cooking at home. Restaurant food is prepared with exorbitant amounts of salt, sugar, and butter. By making meals at home, you get to control what goes into your food and how you cook it. As a bonus, you save a lot of money since going to restaurants can get expensive.