Remember the candy named Now and Later? Those “Long Lasting Chews”. Maybe you do, maybe you don’t. Regardless we’d like to introduce you to a concept we use in Nutrition Coaching that we call “Now and Later Thinking”.

Through the pleasures and challenges in your 20s and 30s, you already know each phase of life is different. Every decade of life has a variety of advantages and stressors, so we’re going to talk about each decade, make a couple suggestions, and introduce you to a mindset tip you can use immediately.

Forgiving 20s

Who remembers hearing that teenagers and 20 years have a sense of invincibility? We like to talk about this concept using a different descriptor: Forgiving.

20 years olds enjoy foods they know are not healthy. They can consume pizza, french fries, soda and alcohol without reservation or consequence. Furthermore many can make these choices while still performing at their best and look great in a bathing suit.

They know better though.  Your twenties are a great time to acquire knowledge. We encourage people in their 20s to think like architects. We encourage them to write their health blue print for how they want their next decade in life to look like. This sets you up for success.

Transitional 30s

Your 30s involve a differing budget, more daily and weekly routines and often is a time to really get focused. 30 year olds have more responsibility and the less forgiving metabolism will be noted. Often that responsibility involves planning a family, and doing so necessitates good quality nutrition.

30 year olds often can start to feel some aches and pains if they get off diet wise. Their recovery from exercise and athletics isn’t what it was. As a result, your thirties are often is a wake up call to think about the later.

Freedom 40s

Your forties are often accompanied with new freedoms. Many 40 year olds have a more stable career, their children are more independent and you have more secure relationships.

This is not a decade that comes without challenges. This is usually when muscle mass starts decreasing. This can lead to poorer blood sugar control and strength losses. Sadly, the forties often have hormone challenges and food sensitivities.

Here is some help to overcome these challenges:

1. Adjust caloric intake to your new metabolism
2. Learn strength training with a personal trainer or strength coach
3. Learn prehab and mobility strategies
4. Learn how to cook and enjoy colorful vegetables
5. Use Omega 3 fatty acids to combat inflammation

Focused 50s

Many 50 year olds have a strong sense of purpose and they’re thinking about where they want to be 10-20 years down the road. They’re done living for other people, and they march to the beat of their own drum.

This decade likely comes with more joint pain, less leanness, and decreased sleep. You and your doctor may start focusing on your blood sugars.

Fitness, mobility and strength need to be a priority to the 50 year old. The 50 year must take ownership of their circumstances, current health status and know their health in 10 years is strictly up to them. Lastly, they can accept their genetics but not use them as an excuse for bad dietary choices.

Specific recommendations for the 50 year old:

1. Utilize Omega 3 fatty acids
2. Use berries and Bromaline to decrease inflammation
3. In fitness, focus on your warm up and cool down

Smooth 60s

60 years olds often have things down but still have new challenges. They’re often closing in on a satisfying career or just retired. They’re focused on making good health choices with their new found free time. They’re motivated by their active grandchildren and their peers.

Focusing on brain health and balance are critical. From a nutrition perspective making sure getting vitamin B12 is helpful. Furthermore, probiotics and fiber are becoming more necessary too.

Strengthening with resistance bands has unique benefits. We encourage this population to build a strong library of band exercises then combine them with walking and balance exercises. More importantly we recommend a lot of ‘feet on the floor’ exercise. You’ll see many 60 years enjoying seated machine exercises that don’t help with balance.

Sunny 70s

This decade has specific challenges but also is filled with group activities. Some of our favorites are group hikes where 70 year olds get time on their feet, sunshine and social time. In addition, brain games and social games are helpful for keeping the most important muscle, your brain, strong and functioning.

Nutritional help comes in the form of nutrient dense smoothies.

Now and Later Thinking

The next time you’re out to eat, at the grocery store or at a party tempted with indulgent foods think about Now and Later Thinking. Ask yourself these two simple questions:

1. How does this help me now?
2. How will eating this way continuously make me feel later?

This may seem silly. It may not be necessary for everyone, but if you’re challenged try exercising this self talk strategy a couple times and let us know how it goes.

Please share (with discretion)

We see a lot of families. We care for a lot of spouses. We see families 4 generations deep. We’d like you to share this with your friends and family members but do so in a respectful broadcast fashion. Click the ‘share’ button to your Facebook account but PLEASE don’t tag your significant other suggesting they need to eat better. Cool?

Learn More

We are hosting a FREE talk on permanent dietary changes Wednesday May 17th from 6 pm – 7 pm at the COOR Wellness building to reserve your spot, please email health@coorwellness.com to reserve your spot. There are only 10 seats left. Our Precision Nutrition certified nutrition coach thanks Precision Nutrition for providing the inspiration behind this content.