Sports Nutrition Blog

Healthy Aging Tied To Midlife Diet Quality

Better diet quality at mid-life was found to be strongly linked to greater health and well-being in persons living to older ages according to a recent study in the Annuls of Internal Medicine. Remember, a high quality diet does not just mean limiting saturated and trans fats and sugar, but also including nutrient rich foods in your diet. Researchers looked at a number of variables including how diets of middle-aged women compared with the Mediterranean diet and found that eating well in mid-life was a predictor of having no major chronic diseases or major impairments in chronic health in their 70’s. So during this time in the season, whether it be less training or a late season race,  emphasize plenty of high quality foods such as whole grains, healthy fats, nutrient rich fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, and fish. Look for a detailed outline of healthy eating in Part 1 of Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes, 3rd edition. It is a good investment in your health and continues to lay a good foundation for continued training in the decades to come.

Monique Ryan is a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics with over 25 years of experience helping active people optimize their nutrition and body composition. Contact us at 847-864-8689 to schedule your consult. Ryan has worked with elite athletes in soccer, football, basketball, triathlon, cycling, and mountain biking.

She is the author of Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes, 3rd edition.