Food Over 40

Put your nutrition smarts to the test with this quiz. Use your own pencil.

1. Which of these foods is naturally rich in collagen-boosting nutrients?

a) Bacon
b) Bone broth
c) Iceberg lettuce
d) Citrus fruits

2. After 40, our metabolism naturally slows down. What’s one of the best ways to counter this?

a) Eat dinner before 5 p.m.
b) Start juicing everything
c) Strength training + protein intake
d) Eliminate all carbs

3. You need significantly less protein after age 40.

a) True
b) False

4. Which of these fats is the best choice for brain and heart health over 40?

a) Coconut oil
b) Butter
c) Olive oil
d) Shortening

5. Which nutrient becomes harder for your body to absorb after 40, especially for women?

a) Vitamin C
b) Iron
c) Calcium
d) Potassium

6. What’s a sneaky sign that your blood sugar might be out of balance (even if you don’t live with diabetes?)

a) Falling asleep after lunch
b) Waking up at 3 a.m.
c) Craving sweets after dinner
d) All of the above

7. Which of the following eating habits supports a healthy gut microbiome as we age?

a) Daily yogurt or kefir
b) Ultra-low fiber diet
c) Avoiding fermented foods
d) Only eating between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

8. Finish this sentence: A balanced plate for someone over 40 should include …

a) Mostly protein and veggies
b) Equal parts wine and cheese
c) Lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbs
d) Whatever your grandkids don’t finish

9. Which beverage can reduce bone density if consumed in excess after 40?

a) Coffee
b) Milk
c) Sparkling water
d) Soda (especially cola)

10. How many servings of vegetables should adults over 40 aim for daily?

a) 1–2
b) 3–4
c) 5+
d) Do French fries count?

Scoring

Give yourself one point for each correct answer, then tally up your score and see where you land!

Answer Key

1. D. Citrus fruits
2. C. Strength training + protein intake
3. B. False (You need more protein to counter muscle loss!)
4. C. Olive oil
5. C. Calcium
6. D. All of the above
7. A. Daily yogurt or kefir
8. C. Lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbs
9. D. Soda (especially cola)
10. C. 5+

Results

8–10 points:
Nutrition Ninja
You clearly know your stuff. Keep flexing those food smarts and aging like a fine wine.

5–7 points:
Health Explorer
You’re on the right track – just a few tweaks and you’ll be rocking your 40s and beyond like a pro.

0–4 points:
Time to Rethink Your Plate
Nutrition in midlife is a learning curve. Start small, such as having whole-grain toast instead of a muffin for breakfast.

Want More Like This?

Let us know in the comments how you did! And don’t forget to check out my free The 5-Day Midlife Nutrition Reset: