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What’s the best macros for women over 50? Believe it or not, there isn’t a universal answer.
While the general approach to dieting with macros remains the same regardless of age, several factors affect individual requirements. Determining the best macros for women over 50 means considering activity levels, health conditions, weight goals, and metabolism changes.
Keep reading to learn more about the best macros for women over 50.
Why Macros Matter More After 50
Macronutrient balance is important at all stages of menopause, but the changes that occur around and after menopause can make it even more important for women over 50.
You might have noticed that your metabolism and body composition have transformed significantly in your golden age, which you can blame on hormonal changes. Being over 50 also means that you’re at a higher risk for muscle loss and osteoporosis, making increased protein and calcium intake more important.
A balanced diet can also help mitigate the associated chronic health risks with your menopausal years, including heart disease and diabetes.
How Aging Affects Macronutrient Needs
As you age, your metabolism slows down, which can lead to weight gain if you’re not careful.
Adjusting your macronutrient needs based on your slower metabolism can help you maintain energy levels and vitality, supporting your overall health and well-being during your golden years.
Metabolism, Muscle Mass, and Hormonal Changes
Your metabolic rate drastically declines after turning fifty, requiring significant caloric intake and macronutrient distribution adjustments.
A balanced intake of fats, carbohydrates, and protein provides the body with the necessary resources to maintain muscle mass, promote recovery from exercise, and regulate hormones.
When combined with the right kind of exercises for menopause, a proper macronutrient balance can lead to muscle growth and improved strength even after turning fifty.
The Best Macro Ratios for Women Over 50
The best macronutrient ratios for women over 50 depend on what you want to achieve, how active you are, how active you want to become, and your overall health.
As a general rule of thumb, a proper macronutrient distribution for middle-aged women might look like this:
- Protein: 25-30% of total daily calories
- Carbohydrates: 45-55% of total daily calories
- Fats: 20-30% of total daily calories
Protein: Essential for Muscle Maintenance and Bone Health
Protein intake helps counteract muscle loss associated with aging.
Aim for 25-30% of total daily calories from protein. Focus on high-quality protein sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and plant-based proteins. A high-protein meal plan is a particularly good idea for healthy aging.
Carbohydrates: Choosing High-Fiber, Low-Glycemic Options
As your metabolism slows down during age, you should focus on the quality of carbohydrates to maintain your energy levels and manage weight.
Avoid refined sugars and processed foods. Instead, focus on complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which are particularly common in certain diet plans, such as the paleo diet.
Healthy Fats: Supporting Hormones and Heart Health
Fat gets a bad reputation, but it’s crucial for hormone production and overall health, especially when you’re past fifty.
Allocate 20-30% of daily calories to healthy fats, including avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish. For this reason, the Mediterranean diet is particularly effective for menopause and weight loss.
How to Adjust Macros for Specific Goals
Women over 50 can adjust their macros to support their health, improve their weight management, and maintain muscle mass.
Weight Management and Fat Loss
Adjusting your macros for weight management and fat loss means increasing protein intake and healthy fats while choosing complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and fiber, which helps increase satiety and regulate blood sugar levels.
To lose weight, you want to feel satisfied and fuller longer without increasing your caloric intake.
Enhancing Energy and Vitality
Your energy needs can vary depending on your physical activity. You’ll want to increase your carbohydrate intake slightly on more active days to support energy eneds while adjusting your portions appropriately when you’re recovering.
Also, try to snack healthy by maintaining the same macronutrient balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Prioritize nutrient density regardless of how you’re adjusting your macros for specific goals. As your caloric intake has decreased, your nutrient needs have already increased. Prioritize foods rich in vitamins and minerals relative to their calorie content. You may also want to consider taking supplements.
Also, don’t forget to drink water. Hydration supports metabolism and helps you manage hunger.
Sample Macro-Friendly Foods for Women Over 50
Incorporating macro-friendly foods into your daily meals can help you achieve your macronutrient goals while supporting your overall health and vitality, preparing you better for the next stage of your life.
Protein-Rich Foods
Lean Meats
- Chicken Breast: Low in fat and high in protein. It supports muscle maintenance and helps with weight loss and weight management.
- Turkey: Rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins and selenium.
Fish
- Salmon: High in quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, inflammation, and brain function.
- Tuna: A convenient, high-protein option that also provides omega-3s, contributing to overall health.
Dairy
- Greek Yogurt: Packed with protein, it also contains probiotics that support gut health for better digestion and immune function.
- Cottage Cheese: A versatile low-fat protein source used in various meals or snacks.
Legumes
- Lentils: Rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate that help with satiety and blood sugar control.
- Chickpeas: Provide a good amount of protein and fiber for better digestive health and sustained energy levels.
Plant-based Proteins
- Tofu: This plant-based protein source is full of essential amino acids. You can include it in many different dishes.
- Tempeh: Fermented soy product that is high in protein and also supports gut health through probiotics.
Eggs
- Whole Eggs: A protein powerhouse with several health benefits, regularly consuming whole eggs provides all the essential amino acids your body needs alongside other vitamins and minerals. They are also rich in choline for brain health.
Complex Carbs for Steady Energy
Whole Grains
- Brown Rice: This fiber-rich whole grain aids in digestion and helps maintain blood sugar levels while containing high levels of magnesium and B vitamins.
- Quinoa: A complete protein source, quinoa is also rich in fiber and an energy-filled source of various vitamins and minerals.
- Oats: High in soluble fiber, oats can help lower cholesterol levels and provide lasting energy, making them an excellent breakfast option.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Contains more nutrients and fiber than white bread, promoting better digestion and steady energy release.
Fruits
- Berries: Berries are low in calories and high in fiber and antioxidants. Berries are the best way to satisfy your sweet tooth naturally, control blood sugar levels, and provide vitamins like vitamin C.
- Apples: A great source of fiber (especially in the skin) and vitamin C, apples provide a satisfying snack to help keep energy levels stable.
- Bananas: Rich in potassium and carbohydrates, bananas offer a quick energy boost and are easy to digest, making them an excellent snack before or after working out.
- Oranges: High in vitamin C and fiber, oranges provide hydration and natural sugars for an energy boost without causing blood sugar levels to spike.
Vegetables
- Leafy Greens: Packed with vitamins A, C, K, and folate, these vegetables are low in calories but high in nutrients. Their fiber content aids digestion and helps maintain energy levels.
- Broccoli: High in fiber, vitamin C, and various micronutrients, broccoli supports overall health while acting as a steady energy source of complex carbohydrates.
- Sweet Potatoes: A nutrient-dense source of carbohydrates, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Carrots: A good source of beta-carotene and fiber, carrots provide natural sweetness and can help satisfy cravings while supporting digestive health.
Legumes
- Lentils: High in fiber and protein, lentils provide sustained energy while also being rich in iron and other essential nutrients.
- Chickpeas: Packed with protein and fiber, chickpeas help regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full longer.
Starchy Vegetables
- Butternut Squash: Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, butternut squash provides a nutritious energy source while being low in calories.
- Peas: High in protein and fiber, peas contribute to satiety while providing essential nutrients like vitamin K and folate.
Sources of Healthy Fats
Nuts
- Almonds: Rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamin E, almonds support heart health, help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and provide antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress.
- Walnuts: High in omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts benefit brain health and reduce inflammation.
- Pistachios: A good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, pistachios can help manage weight by promoting fullness and providing essential nutrients like vitamin B6.
- Hazelnuts: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, hazelnuts support heart health and contribute to overall well-being.
Seeds
- Chia Seeds: High in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, chia seeds support heart health and help regulate blood sugar levels. They also absorb water, promoting a feeling of fullness.
- Flaxseeds: An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans (a type of antioxidant), flaxseeds support heart health and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in magnesium, iron, and healthy fats, pumpkin seeds support muscle function and heart health while also providing a good source of protein.
- Sunflower Seeds: High in vitamin E and healthy fats, sunflower seeds are great for your skin and provide antioxidants that protect your body against cellular damage.
Fruits
- Avocados: Packed with monounsaturated fats, avocados support heart health by improving cholesterol levels. They are also rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamins C, E, and K, making them a nutrient-dense food that promotes overall health.
Oils
- Olive Oil: A staple of the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health.
- Avocado Oil: Similar to olive oil, avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Due to its high smoke point, you can use it as an alternative to your usual cooking oil while enjoying heart-healthy benefits.
Fatty Fish
- Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and promotes brain function. It’s also an excellent source of high-quality protein.
- Mackerel: Another fatty fish high in omega-3s, mackerel supports cardiovascular health and provides nutrients like vitamin D and selenium.
Simple Meal Plan to Balance Macros
With its ratio, this simple meal plan is relatively balanced, with a slight emphasis on fat intake.
Increased healthy fat intake brings many benefits to women of all ages, especially as women depend more on their fat as a fuel source than men. However, feel free to adjust the meals based on your individual dietary preferences and goals.
Note: Hydration is important. Make sure that you have enough water intake throughout the day.
Practical Tips for Tracking and Adjusting Macros
Tracking macronutrient intake is particularly important for women over 50. Knowing what’s going on in your body will allow you to make better and more informed adjustments that align with your health and wellness goals.
Using Macro-Tracking Tools
If you’re already tracking your menopause symptoms with an app, you might as well add a food diary or tracking app to your daily routine.
Tracking meals, snacks, and beverages consistently lets you get an accurate picture of your daily macros, so record everything! If you prefer the old-school route, a simple notebook or food diary where you log food intake works just as well as an app.
Since you’re probably new to tracking macros, try to take things slowly. You shouldn’t overhaul your entire diet in one go. Start with small and manageable changes while adjusting your diet as needed. How you feel, your energy levels, and how your body reacts are important markers.
Portion Control and Meal Prep
You can adjust your meal portions based on your weight loss goals and energy needs. If you’re active and do cardio more, increase carbohydrates on your more active days so you have enough energy to act as a fuel. But if you’re trying to lose weight through weight training, reduce carbohydrate and fat intake while maintaining your protein intake.
To guarantee that you stick with your diet plan, prepare meals in advance for convenience. Each meal should include a source of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Also, don’t forget to incorporate variety—aside from giving you essential nutrients, it keeps you from feeling bored and stuck with a routine.
If you aren’t sure about your macro goals, consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
One of the biggest advantages of joining Reverse Health is access to personalized advice from licensed healthcare experts and professionals. This guarantees that you receive tailored meal plans based on your unique needs and health condition.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Macro Balance for Health After 50
Finding the best macros for women over 50 isn’t impossible. But you do have to work for it.
Focusing on the grams of protein, carbohydrates, and fats per meal allows you to track your macronutrients, letting you enjoy the benefits of being more efficient with your daily food intake, like increased energy levels, better overall health, and feeling more like your younger self, if not better.
For the best results, make it a habit to check your progress, tracking changes to your weight, energy levels, and how you feel. Use these observations to adjust your macro ratios or portion sizes. It’s also important to listen to your body and pay close attention to hunger cues instead of strictly adhering to a plan that may not work for you.
Finally, don’t forget that indulging in the occasional treat doesn't hurt. If anything, it’s better for you as it allows you to maintain a healthy and positive relationship with food.
FAQs
Why are macros important for women over 50?
As women age, metabolism slows down, and maintaining muscle mass becomes more challenging. Tracking macros (protein, carbs, and fats) helps balance energy needs, supports muscle preservation, and promotes healthy weight management.
Is a low-carb diet good for women over 50?
A low-carb diet can be beneficial for some women over 50, especially for managing weight and blood sugar levels. However, it’s important to include enough healthy fats and protein to maintain energy, muscle mass, and hormone balance. Consult a healthcare provider to determine if it's right for you.
How can I adjust my macros to prevent weight gain after menopause?
After menopause, you may benefit from increasing protein intake to maintain muscle mass, reducing carbohydrates slightly to prevent insulin spikes, and focusing on healthy fats to balance hormones and reduce inflammation.
How much protein should women over 50 eat daily?
For women over 50, it's generally recommended to consume 1.0 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day to support muscle maintenance and overall health.
Can adjusting my macros help with energy and mood in my 50s?
Yes, a balanced macro diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve energy, and support hormone health, which can positively impact mood and well-being.
