Eat Smarter, Age Stronger
From sugary cereals to processed meats like bacon, there's a long list of foods you'll need to start avoiding once you hit the big five-oh. Too much salt, sugar, or preservatives can wreck your health, after all, and this is true no matter what age you are. If you're looking to age stronger, here are 20 foods to cut from your plate after age 50.
1. Sweetened Yogurt
While yogurt can be a healthy snack to keep in the fridge, sweetened or flavored varieties often contain a high amount of sugar, along with artificial flavors, colors, and other additives. But if you still want to have it for breakfast, you don't have to give it up—just stick to plain Greek yogurt.
2. Instant Noodles
By 50, your college days are long over; while instant noodles might have been a staple part of your diet then, they definitely shouldn't be stocked in your pantry now. Packed with additives, preservatives, and lots and lots of salt, these ramen packages will shoot up your blood pressure.
3. Processed Meats
Processed meats, like bacon, sausage, salami, and hot dogs, are loaded with unhealthy preservatives to give them their distinct salty flavor. Unsurprisingly, they're also extremely high in sodium, which can spike your blood pressure and increase your risk of developing heart disease and cancer.
4. Soda
Regular sodas can contain as much as 40 grams of sugar in a 12-oz can—that's 10 teaspoons of sugar, which overshoots the daily recommended limit for men (9 tsp) and women (6 tsp). Diet sodas may not be a better alternative either, as your consumption of artificial sweeteners should also be limited.
5. Alcohol
Not only does alcohol affect mobility, it also damages the liver—two things you probably don't want to deal with at age 50 and over. While the occasional glass might be okay, moderation is key. If you already have balance issues, however, it's best to stay away from the booze completely.
6. Processed Snacks
What do instant ramen and processed snacks have in common? Bingo—additives and salt. At 50, digesting these types of foods takes a toll on the body, and they will most likely become stored as fat. They have also been linked to many adverse health conditions, such as stroke, heart disease, cognitive impairment, and cancer.
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7. Canned Fruit
The problem with canned fruit isn't the fruit itself, but the added sugar. This is because they're often packed in syrup or juice, which can be sweeter than the actual produce, and may even cause inflammation. They're also not as nutritious as eating fresh fruit, meaning you're much better off having the real thing, not the canned version.
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8. Canned Soup
Canned soups may be quick and convenient to whip up, but just like instant noodles, they pack a ton of sodium, which, as we've mentioned, can skyrocket your blood pressure. If you want soup, there are plenty of quick, simple recipes to follow using fresh ingredients that are far more healthy and nutritious.
9. Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizzas are considered ultra-processed foods, meaning they're a step higher—and worse—than processed snacks and treats. Containing preservatives, refined ingredients, and salt, this is no delicious pie. If you're really craving a slice, though, order one that's freshly made from a local parlor.
10. Instant Oatmeal
While oatmeal is great for you, considering its high-fiber content, instant varieties often contain a lot of sugar, turning a good thing into an unhealthy one. Make sure to check the nutrition labels before you buy to ensure you don't choose ones with hidden sugar. It's always better to add fruits and nuts to sweeten and flavor it yourself.
11. White Bread
White bread, rice, and pasta are made with refined grains, which have been stripped of their fiber and nutrients. They can quickly spike your blood sugar levels and increase your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Choose foods made with whole grains instead, like whole grain bread, brown rice, and buckwheat noodles.
12. Processed Cheese
Processed cheese, like American cheese slices, contains a lot of miscellaneous ingredients—think artificial colors, preservatives, and emulsifiers—that make it more plastic-like than actual cheese. As with all processed food, avoid it like the plague and stick to having the real thing.
13. Fried Foods
Fried chicken, French fries, and onion rings might have been your go-to sides whenever you ordered fast food, but after 50 (and even before then), you should axe them off your list. Otherwise, they can wreak havoc on your arteries and heart health. If you're craving something crispy, toss your veggies and protein in the oven or air-fryer instead.
14. Sugary Breakfast Cereals
It probably goes without saying why sugary breakfast cereals are a no-no. Not only do they contain artificial flavors and colors, they also pack a wallop of—you guessed it—sugar. Look for healthier, more nutritious choices for your morning meal, like a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt loaded with fruits, granola, and nuts.
15. Charcoaled or Barbecued Meat
Sure, barbecued meat is delicious, but the charred parts are what you need to be wary of. Experts say that these blackened bits contain carcinogenic compounds, like heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which can significantly increase your risk of cancer. Be mindful of how you cook your meat, especially as you age.
16. Processed Baked Goods
Those store-bought pastries and cookies might look appetizing, but they're loaded with preservatives, sugar, and other additives, which can cause inflammation or other adverse health risks. If you're craving baked goods, whip them up from scratch—and make sure to cut back on the sugar.
17. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks contain caffeine and sugar—two things that can spell trouble for those over 50. The effects of caffeine, especially, can take a dangerous toll on the heart and body, making you more susceptible to palpitations, jitters, and sleep disturbances. If you're looking for a better pick-me-up, have a cup of soothing tea instead.
18. Bottled Salad Dressing
You might be tempted to reach for store-bought dressings to up your salad game, but these bottled varieties can contain unnecessary ingredients that aren't great for you—think preservatives, flavor enhancers, and sugar. It's much faster and healthier to make a quick dressing at home. Our tip? Just drizzle olive oil, which has been consistently recommended by dieticians and health experts alike.
19. Bottled Marinades & Sauces
Similar to salad dressings, bottled marinades and sauces often pack in numerous preservatives, salt, artificial flavors and colors, and other additives to make it taste the way it does. Instead of buying pre-made condiments, make your own with fresh ingredients.
20. Sweets
As we've mentioned, sugary treats should be avoided as much as possible after 50—and well before then, too. Chocolate, candies, ice cream, donuts, and cookies may satisfy your sweet tooth, but they can leave lasting negative effects on your health. Stay away from processed treats and choose better options, like yogurt with fruits, though you should still make sure to limit your sugar intake.
