At age 40, you may be at a higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels. A healthy diet requires that you avoid excessive sugar, keep your weight within normal range, consume adequate amounts of fiber and eat no more than 1,500 mg of sodium each day. Whole foods in their unprocessed state give you nutrients without unnecessary additives. At young age we can afford a little cavalier with our diet but once we reach 40 we need to take care of our diet