5 Health Tips Just for Women

Written by
Joan Hodges 
With all that women’s bodies go through, from hormonal changes to childbirth, it’s no wonder that women need certain nutrients men might not.

From eating to promote bone health to ingesting certain types of fats and fiber, here is a list of what’s best for women when it comes to nutrition.
Fat is Good for You
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Don't let the word "fat" scare you. Including healthy fats in your diet is important, since they're essential to brain and mood function. Healthy fats also help your hair, skin and nails. Examples of good fats would include fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil and dark chocolate.
Focus on Strong Bones
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The big three vitamins that women are consistently low in are calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D. And if you can, it's best to get your daily dose in the form of food instead of popping a supplement.

You can find calcium in leafy greens and magnesium in broccoli, celery or seeds. Vitamin D can come from half an hour in direct sunlight, or if you live in an area with little sunlight, be sure to cook fish or eggs.
Nix the Sugar
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We've all heard about how bad refined sugar is for you, but this can be a difficult one to cut out, especially when the cravings come rolling in. Try reducing your sugar intake little by little and soon you won't find yourself craving it as much. You'd be surprised where sugar lurks in foods that you can easily modify, such as oatmeal or yogurt.
Read: 5 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Get Active
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Whether it's a weekly workout schedule at the gym, or just simply taking a brisk walk a few times a day, fitting in regular activity can have a great impact on your health. Have trouble staying motivated? Wearable trackers like Fitbit are excellent to keep you going, even if it's just an extra walk at lunchtime.
Read: The Latest and Best Tech
Iron is Key
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Iron is very important for healthy blood flow, as well as maintaining energy levels in women. You can find iron in most meats, spinach and beans. Iron is especially effective when combined with vitamin C-rich foods.
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About the Author

Joan Hodges ACTIVE.com Contributor
Joan Hodges writes nutrition articles for ACTIVE.com. As a health and wellness blogger based in Dallas, Texas, she has been inspired by her own journey of full mental and physical recovery. Joan is a devout yogi, dog lover and self-love advocate. You can read about her health journey here.