Skip bacon at 30 and ditch butter if you're 50 - what to eat at each age

What’s on your plate should change and adapt as you age, to keep you healthy into midlife and beyond. Here, nutritional therapist Anna Mapson explains what to eat - and avoid.

CHEESE: You are still building bone density, so calcium-rich foods such as cheese and milk are important.

Twenties

AVOID TAKEAWAYS: Limit trips to McDonald’s and try to establish a healthy eating pattern of three meals a day.

SALMON: Oily fish such as salmon may help to prevent risks of arthritis and heart disease.

Thirties

AVOID BACON: Limit salty foods. High blood pressure is a chronic condition and the damage often starts in your thirties.

LEAFY GREENS: High in iron and magnesium, leafy greens such as spinach can help boost energy levels for busy midlife.

Forties

AVOID BURGERS: Cut down to reduce your risk of chronic heart conditions as you get older.

YOGHURT: Bone density becomes important again as you age if you want to cut your risk of osteoporosis and falls.

Fifties

AVOID BUTTER: It's high in saturated fat, which can increase your risk of high cholesterol.

EGGS: They contain choline, which is good for the brain because it helps make important neurotransmitters.

Sixties

AVOID ALCOHOL: Cutting down will also help with memory and cognitive function and reduce the strain on your liver.

PORRIDGE: Soluble fibre found in oats will keep you regular, along with root vegetables such as carrots.

Seventies

AVOID COFFEE: As we age many people experience sleep problems, so reducing tea and coffee may help.