As you age, you need to work harder to keep your body healthy. Increase your odds of staying illness-free by sticking with an anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean meal plan that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes, and healthy omega-3 (wild salmon, walnuts, flax) and monounsaturated (olive oil) fats. Dark chocolate (in moderation) can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and low-fat dairy and leafy greens maintain bone density. Here are 15 tasty recipes to get you started.

Combining cooked and fresh berries (good sources of vitamin C and anthocyanins) with vitamin-E-filled wheat germ and pecans maximizes this dish's antioxidant potential.

Sweet, salty, and spicy -- with a garlic kick -- this healthy dish captures a range of tasty flavors.

Nutty, high-fiber barley becomes even more compelling with the addition of sweet figs and chicken.

For the most visually rewarding presentation, layer these nutrient-rich parfaits in clear glasses.

An easy way to finish off salmon leftovers is to make salmon pasta with spicy tomato sauce. You can buy salmon (full of healthy omega-3s) as steaks or as fillets; skin on the fillets comes off easily after cooking.

The sweet spiciness of the crystallized ginger in these cookies complements the richness of the dark chocolate. And using dark chocolate ensures you are getting plenty of antioxidants. 

Look for omega-3-rich flax meal alongside the flaxseeds in your natural-foods store -- or grind your own. Once opened, store flax in the refrigerator. Since milk contains saturated fat, we chose to cook the high-fiber barley with almond milk instead.

Berries can't be beat as a healthy dessert. Balsamic vinegar and brown sugar make a sweet-tart dressing for the berries. Serve as is or, for an extra crunch, with toasted nuts.

Be sure to use crisp apples with a tart edge, such as Empire or Winesap, for this crunchy and healthy salad.

This saute is delicious as a side dish or tossed with pasta as a main.

The meaty artichoke hearts provide a nice balance to the light and creamy ricotta cheese. Take premade dough out of the fridge a few hours before you plan on using it, to let it rise.

Try this side: A mix of beta-carotene-rich vegetables like butternut squash and carrots.

This dish is perfect for an early fall picnic

Get your protein, potassium, calcium, fiber, and omega-3s in a delicious morning shake.

These two cabbage cousins offer an interesting twist on the traditional coleslaw. Kohlrabi makes a great addition to stir-fries, while turnips, when pureed with a little butter, serve as an excellent side dish. For the greens, saute them as you would kale or spinach.

According to ayurvedic medicine, warming spices such as cinnamon and cardamom can help boost energy. And by swapping soy milk for regular, you ensure that dark chocolate's antioxidants will be more fully absorbed.