50 Best Foods: The Woman's Healthy Diet

As women age, we need to reassess the foods that fuel us and the foods that slow us down. Our metabolism changes, and our eating habits need to change with it. Menopause can cause all sorts of unwanted issues, and one of the biggest is weight gain. Understanding how foods play a role in that can be a game changer and a blessing. The Woman's Healthy Diet emphasizes the importance of consuming quality over quantity as we don’t need to eat as much as we used to.

Consuming energy-rich food will turn your body into a fat-fighting machine and even help you burn fat while you sleep. Combined with the right, regular movement, you can become master of your destiny!

Every choice you make will take you one step closer to living the healthy life you dream of and the healthy weight you long for. Begin with making a commitment to yourself, setting a goal, and taking small steps to work towards it.

Take this list with you when shopping to ensure you buy the best quality ingredients that offer the best value for health and longevity. Better still, source seasonal produce from farmers markets and organic butchers. Supermarkets are so last year; you don’t even need to go there for toilet paper anymore!

Proteins are made up of amino acids, the building blocks required to build and repair muscle, cartilage, skin, and bone, make hormones, maintain enzymes, and supply an energy source. Eating protein helps maintain a healthy weight and curb hunger cravings too, so they help keep us full while fuelling our cells with the right nutrients. The Woman's Healthy Diet encourages sourcing organic meats and seafood whenever possible.

• GRASS FED BEEF
• ORGANIC CHICKEN
• SALMON
• EGGS
• SARDINES
• TOFU
• TEMPEH
• LENTILS
• BEANS
• NUTS

Fruit is considered nature’s dessert, perfectly packaged sweet delights packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. Including quality fruit every day can reduce your risk of developing inflammation, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The Woman's Healthy Diet includes fruits for minimal preparation and maximum nutrition.

• BLUEBERRIES
• POMEGRANATE
• PAPAYA
• APPLES
• PINEAPPLE
• BANANAS
• LEMONS
• AVOCADO
• RASPBERRIES
• ORANGES

Vegetables are rich in critical minerals, vitamins and fibre that protect against illness like heart disease, stroke and cancer. They are the perfect low-calorie snack and ideal for women who are looking to shed a couple of kilos or maintain a healthy weight.   Every meal should begin with vegetables for diversity of nutrients and flavour. The Woman's Healthy Diet recommends beginning every meal with vegetables for a diversity of nutrients and flavour.

• BROCCOLI
• SWEET POTATO
• SPINACH
• TOMATOES
• BRUSSEL SPROUTS
• PUMPIN
• MUSHROOMS
• RED CAPSICUM
• PEAS
• EDAMAME

Quality fats are an important part of every diet. Fat is a major source of energy and vital for building cell membranes, keeping cholesterol under control, hormone function, memory and reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke.  The best fats in small doses are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which help keep you feeling full, add flavour to meals and stop you from overeating or indulging in unnecessary calories from less desirable foods.

• OLIVE OIL
• COCONUT OIL
• FLAXSEED OIL
• HEMP OIL
• AVOCADO
• PEANUT BUTTER
• YOGHURT
• OLIVES
• FATTY FISH
• SEEDS & NUTS

The benefit of superfoods is that you are getting a higher percentage of nutritional value for your money.  These powerhouses have high vitamin and mineral content that ward off disease and keep you healthier.  When consumed on a regular basis, these foods can promote heart health, weight loss, improve energy levels and even reduce the effects of ageing. The Woman's Healthy Diet incorporates superfoods daily for optimal health.

• CHIA SEEDS
• TURMERIC
• FLAXSEED
• GARLIC
• GREEN TEA
• BROCCOLI
• ONIONS
• SEAWEED
• HEMP SEEDS
• QUINOA