Healthy eating tips to help you look and feel right at every stage of life

No matter how much some people may want to argue and force their ideologies down our throats, the fact is, men and women are created differently.

Sure, we are similar in many ways but we have varying needs, especially when it comes to diet and nutrition.

At the begining stages of life, we tend to have the same nutritional needs but once puberty hits, everything changes.

While healthy eating is necessary for everyone, there are recommendations that are specifically geared towards women.

Here’s what you should know about healthy eating as a woman to help you look and feel right throughout the different stages of your life:

• Reproductive health

Reproductive health is one of the main areas that distinguish men from women. You will find that we have different reproductive complications like pH imbalances and that’s why we have to adjust our diets to fit our bodies’ nutritional needs.

Women are encouraged to drink enough water everyday as a way of boosting vaginal health, avoid sugary drinks and foods that can trigger infections and regularly drink plain yoghurt, which helps to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria.

• Pregnancy care

Your diet during pregnancy can make the experience better or worse. This is especially a crucial time because there is the risk of gestational diabetes, anaemia, blood pressure fluctuations and other issues that could be harmful to you or your unborn baby.

A pregnancy diet should include more whole foods.

You need fibre, high quality protein foods like eggs and foods rich in iron to provide adequate nutrients to you and your baby.

• Obesity prevention

Numerous studies have shown that obesity is more prevalent in women than men. It not only brings problems like heart disease but also affects your chances of having a normal, healthy life because everyday tasks will become a struggle.

Limit your consumption of fat and sugar filled foods and adopt a regular exercise routine.

Although in some countries gaining a lot of weight is regarded as a sign of good health and prosperity, a simple doctor’s visit will prove otherwise.

• Bone health

Women have bones that are smaller and less dense. This exposes them to the risk of developing bone related problems like osteoporosis and osteopenia. It also increases the likelihood of fractures.

Your bones start losing their density in the mid-30’s. This should be enough reason to add more calcium and vitamin D to your diet.

You should also help your body synthesise its own Vitamin D by getting some sun.

• Hormonal check

Another discovery is that women are more exposed to mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

There are many reasons why someone would experience these challenges but either way, consuming mood-altering foods can actually worsen the symptoms.

To keep your emotional health in top shape, limit processed foods like processed meats and if possible, consume alcohol moderately since it’s known to trigger the symptoms of both anxiety and depression.