This article was originally published on RightLivin
Vegetable Oils
Heart health is so important, especially as we start to get older. It’s one of the most important organs that we need to look after. One of the best ways to protect our heart is to avoid vegetable oil as much as possible. Unfortunately, these oils may increase the risk of developing heart-related health issues. The reason being is that there’s a fatty acid called omega-6 that’s found in quite a few oils.
But worry not, as there are some great alternative oils out there that you can try. Avocado and olive oils are the best options to look for in the grocery store.
Deli Meats
A fresh sandwich is one of the most delicious lunches, right? However, when you’re throwing that sandwich together, we suggest you stay far away from deli meats. Sure, they may feel like a convenient option, but their health drawbacks are definitely not worth it. They may contain a decent amount of protein, but it’s the bad stuff they contain that is the issue. With high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives, it’s by no means good for you.
Unfortunately, they often also contain nitrates, which have previously been linked to certain cancers. To pile your sandwiches up with meat, you’re better off going for fresh and lean meats, like fish or chicken. Or why not try a plant-based option?
Grapefruit
This one may come as a surprise as we’re taught that fruit is good for us and a great alternative to unhealthy foods. Sure, grapefruit is healthy, but it can be really bad if you are taking medication. Grapefruit will interfere with the way that your body absorbs medicine. They possess a compound that can affect the enzymes that break down your medication. In turn, it creates higher levels in your bloodstream.
If you are taking any medication, it’s best to consult a doctor if it’s affected by grapefruit. If so, you could swap it out for some other citrus fruits that won’t have any effect.
Heavy Creams
The secret ingredient to a lot of insanely delicious meals is heavy cream. Whether it’s sauces or desserts, it can be found in a lot of recipes. It may taste good, but it’s packed full of saturated fats. Saturated fats can raise your cholesterol levels and contribute to the risk of heart disease. It’s best that you get started with making healthier choices for sauces and desserts. There are alternatives out there, such as half-and-half, low-fat, and plant-based options that work wonders.
When it comes to your health, prioritizing the low-fat options will always be worth it. They will significantly improve your cardiovascular health, and better yet, you won’t even taste the difference.
Soda
It comes as no surprise that soda is bad for us. In fact, it’s bad for everyone, not just for people over 60. But, saying that, it’s significantly worse for people over said age. They do become much more risky the older you get. Sodas are simply high in added sugars and empty calories. Easily, they can begin contributing heavily to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, consuming an excessive amount of sugar can lead to increased blood sugar levels and strain your cardiovascular system.
To avoid developing these issues, it’s recommended that you steer clear of sodas or at least limit your consumption of them. There are healthier alternatives out there, such as water, teas, and fruit juices.
Energy Bars
When you’re in a rush and need a quick snack, it can be incredibly easy to turn to an energy bar. To be fair to you, they are advertised as a nutritious on-the-go snack. However, just because they can make you feel fuller for some time, it doesn’t mean that they are necessarily good for you. Many commercial energy bars are packed with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients that can cause a lot of harm.
It’s fair to say that there are a lot more healthier energy bar options out there. Even a handful of nuts or a homemade energy bar will be much better for you.
Cereal
Cereal is one of the quickest and easiest options for your breakfast in the morning. However, just because they are easy, it doesn’t mean that they’re any good for you. A lot of cereals don’t actually provide many nutritional benefits. Many cereals will actually contain just about as much sugar as some desserts and limit the nutritional value of your breakfast. If you are going to eat cereal, find the healthier ones that are made with whole grains and have fewer added sugars.
Choosing a healthier and more nutritional breakfast option is a great way to start your day. In addition, it will benefit your health a lot more in the long run.
Processed Cheese
The rule of thumb here is that you should always opt for the more natural version of a food. So, of course, processed cheese is a big no. If you’re including processed cheese like American cheese slices or bagged shredded cheese, it’s time that you cut those out. These sorts of processed cheeses contain high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives. To take care of your health, it’s best that you avoid processed cheese altogether.
Instead, go for unprocessed and more natural cheeses, such as brie, cheddar, and parmesan. While cheese slices and grated cheese are quick and convenient, they aren't ideal for your health.
Pork
For anyone a little older, eating pork can, unfortunately, pose quite a few health risks. Pork includes factors such as a high fat content as well as the potential for foodborne illnesses. It’s not the ideal meat of choice to be consuming once you hit your 60s. To avoid these risks, you want to stay away. If you do want to eat pork, opt for lean cuts of it and make sure it’s cooked thoroughly.
In addition, you should be balancing out pork by having a variety of other protein sources. Those include fish, poultry, and plant-based alternatives to support your health.
Raw Eggs
Realistically, we all know that eating anything raw can be quite bad for us, no matter our age. However, being cautious of raw eggs is especially important over the age of 60. Salmonella actually occurs in roughly one in every 20,000 eggs. Those odds may sound quite low, but you never know if it could be your egg. To be safe, it’s recommended to avoid eating raw eggs and be extra cautious.
Yep, you guessed it, this also means you’ll need to avoid a quick taste of that cookie dough before it goes in the oven. It’s better to be safe than sorry, as no one wants to experience the effects of salmonella.
White Chocolate
A lot of people praise dark chocolate for being a healthier alternative to regular chocolate, but the same cannot be said for white chocolate. As opposed to dark chocolate, white chocolate has no cacao solids in it and is quite high in unhealthy fats and sugar. The combination of these two can lead to health issues such as weight gain, diabetes, and other metabolism issues. It’s best that you limit your consumption of white chocolate as much as possible.
If you’re craving chocolate, opt for something higher in cacao solids. These offer antioxidants and various other health benefits. Keep your chocolate cravings as dark as possible.
Frozen Meals
Let’s be real, frozen meals can be great purely just because of how convenient they are. It’s minimal effort with no more than three prep steps, and it’s ideal for a meal for one. Unfortunately, there are quite a few health drawbacks that outweigh that convenience. Frozen meals will contain a pretty high level of sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. These can contribute towards health issues, such as hypertension, heart disease, and increased blood pressure.
Frozen meals seem to do a lot more harm than they do good. They may be a nice treat every now and then, but you’re better off focusing on fresh foods. It takes a little more effort, but it’s worth making it yourself.
Hard Foods
The older we get, the more fragile our bodies become. That means that things like our teeth and our guts become a lot more sensitive with age. In order to protect them, you may have to start changing your food consumption. One of the biggest things to try and avoid is hard foods. Things like candy, tough meats, and raw vegetables are often better left off your plate. They can be difficult to chew and increase the chance of choking or dental damage.
Switching to softer foods means we’re being a little kinder to our bodies as they become more fragile. Your body will thank you for cutting down on hard foods.
Vegetable Shortening
Have you ever wondered how stores make pre-packaged pastries last longer on the shelves? The secret is vegetable shortening. Manufacturers will bake their pastries with vegetable shortening to extend their shelf life for as long as possible. However, this does, in turn, make consuming these sweet treats, like cakes and other foods, a lot worse for you than a fresh option. Vegetable shortening contains hydrogenated oils, which increase bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol.
If you fancy a pastry or a cake as an occasional treat, you’re better off buying something fresh from a bakery. This switch could help improve your cardiovascular health.
High Sodium Snacks
If you’re craving something a little salty, it can feel easy to grab a bag of chips or some crunchy pretzels. But, as you may have guessed, the one thing that makes them so delicious is actually so bad for us. It’s especially bad if you’re over 60. These snacks are filled with high levels of sodium to give them that flavor. As we’re learning, an excessive amount of sodium can be really bad for your health.
Sodium will put a strain on your cardiovascular system and can lead to fluid retention. This can also contribute to elevated blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney problems. You’re better off opting for things like nuts, fruits, etc.
Energy Drinks
We all love a quick boost of energy when we’re feeling tired and drained. Energy drinks seem like the best and quickest way to do this. But store-bought energy drinks can contain large amounts of caffeine, sugar, and artificial ingredients. These can contribute to a lot of health issues, such as inflammation, increased heart rate, and hypertension. They can be especially risky the older we get. When you need your next caffeine boost, there are healthier alternatives out there.
Why not try green tea for some energy, as well as a bunch of other health benefits? At the end of the day, these energy drinks will get you buzzed but leave you feeling droopy and tired soon after. So not worth it!
Pastries on a Daily Basis
Pastries can be a really nice treat to have in the morning with a cup of tea or coffee. However, it’s best to keep it as an occasional treat. They carry a lot of risks with all the refined sugar, unhealthy fats, and empty calories. Unfortunately, sweet treats simply aren’t that great for our health. They can contribute to health issues such as weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, they can spike your blood glucose levels and increase your cholesterol levels.
Pastries may not be the best choice for people who are susceptible to those kinds of health issues. As is the case with a lot of these foods, it’s best to stick to healthier options.
Instant Noodles
A cup of noodles seems to always hit the spot when you need a quick lunch. However, it should definitely not be your first choice. There is an insane amount of sodium in just one cup, meaning it’s not worth it for the quick fix. These sorts of items are just better left on the shelf. Aside from the sodium, they also contain unhealthy fats and preservatives. In addition, there is hardly any nutritional value to them.
To avoid these issues, it’s best to skip the instant noodles altogether. Take a little extra time and prepare your own healthier alternative.
Canned Soup
Soup is definitely one of the most comforting foods out there. It feels so good when you’re cold, or especially when you’re feeling under the weather. But is it really making you feel that great on the inside? We’re talking specifically about canned soups, which are often full of sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. These additives are likely to cause hypertension, heart disease, as well as other concerning health issues.
If you’re craving some soup to soothe your soul, it’s best to go to the homemade options. If you can make it yourself, you’ll be in control of what’s going in there. Avoid those heart health problems with your own little recipe.
Pre-Packaged Baked Goods
Hey, if you’re getting sugar cravings, we’re totally right there with you. We all understand the need for a sweet treat, right? While we understand the convenience of purchasing baked goods from the grocery store or a bakery, it can be a little risky. It’s key that you avoid these as much as possible, as they are often overloaded with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. Pre-packaged sweet treats are a huge contributor to common health issues.
These treats will contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. Moreover, the trans fats and added sugars are likely to increase your cholesterol levels and cause inflammation. Why not go for a homemade option?
Margarine
The majority of foods are better in moderation, and that includes margarine. This substitute for butter isn’t all that good for us, especially past the age of 60. It’s really bad for us, and should be cut out of our diets altogether. Margarine contains high levels of trans fats and saturated fats. These fats can increase bad cholesterol levels and lower all of the good cholesterol, which is not something you want.
The best advice is just to avoid margarine altogether. Instead, you can choose real butter or oils that are miles better for your health.
Diet Soda
We’ve already learned that soda is very bad for your overall health, no matter your age. So, you may think that diet soda is the perfect alternative. However, that’s not necessarily the case. These drinks contain artificial sweeteners, which may disrupt your metabolism. In addition, artificial sweeteners are linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Some studies even suggest that diet sodas will affect your gut health and increase sugar cravings.
It’s best to avoid sodas altogether, even the diet ones. There are plenty of alternatives out there that you can drink instead to maintain your health.
Canned Fruit
Fruit from a can can taste so delicious. It seems sweeter, juicer, and something that you feel like natural fruit can’t compare to. However, is it really worth it? So much sweetness will, of course, come with a lot of negative health issues because of the added sugars. Canned fruit is doused in sugary syrup to give it that sweet taste. It’s these syrups that contain an excessive amount of sugar. Consuming a lot of it can lead to issues such as weight gain, high blood sugar levels, and many other metabolism risks.
Fresh fruit is, realistically, the best option to go for. If you do want some canned fruit, look for the options that are stored in water or juice instead of syrup.
Microwave Rice
Microwave rice might just be one of the most convenient things in the world. Waiting 15-20 minutes for rice to boil on the stove can be frustrating compared to 2 minutes in the microwave. However, convenience and ease come with quite a few downsides. Microwave rice contains a lot of chemicals and an insane amount of sodium. It goes beyond the recommended daily sodium intake, which can lead to hypertension and other health issues.
Making rice yourself can feel boring and take a long time, but it’s much better for you. Would a rice cooker investment be on the cards for you?
Instant Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be a really good option for breakfast. It gives you all the necessary nutrients you need to start your day off strong. However, you want to make sure that you are not using instant oatmeal. Instant oatmeal is packaged with all sorts of harmful additives, such as added flavors and sweeteners. These additives can contribute to health issues like weight gain, spikes in your blood sugar, and other related health issues.
To be kind to your overall health, you should be using plain, whole oats. For flavor, you can add natural ingredients like nuts, spices, honey, and fruit.
Popcorn
There is nothing better than a delicious bowl of buttery and salty popcorn when you’re watching a film. However, as you may have guessed, this is not good for your health whatsoever. Buttered popcorn is full of saturated fats and an excessive amount of salt. These can contribute to health issues like heart disease and hypertension. Making homemade popcorn will be a lot better for you as you can control how much, if any, butter and salt you are adding to it.
Alternatively, you can grab air-popped popcorn, which is a lot better than the chemical-laced bags. You can even sprinkle herbs or nutritional yeast on top for some additional flavor.
Artificial Sweeteners
This one may sound a little confusing at first. Artificial sweeteners were originally put in place to reduce our sugar intake. However, they may be equally, if not more, dangerous for our health. They can easily disrupt our metabolism and have links to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Some studies also suggest that artificial sweeteners can affect our gut health. Moreover, they may have an effect on your insulin sensitivity.
If you still like to add a little bit of sweetness to drinks, there are some great healthier alternatives. You could try a bit of honey, maple syrup, or stevia to hit the spot.
Store-Bought Salad Dressing
Salads are one of the most healthy and nutritional meals you can have. However, it starts to become less healthy when you add store-bought salad dressing on top. When you do this, you’re basically turning a healthy meal into an unhealthy one. Store-bought dressings are full of added sugars and preservatives. These begin to undermine any health benefits you’d get from eating all the good green nutrients in a salad.
You’re much better off making your own salad dressing from scratch. That way, you’re in control of what’s added to your salad. You can avoid ingredients that will negatively impact your health.
Processed Meat
Of course, any breakfast feels incomplete without the likes of bacon and sausages. However, dietitians recommend that we stay away from these sorts of processed meats, especially once we hit 60. Much like deli meat, these meats will also contain high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers. The convenience and taste of these meats keeps us coming back for more, but we should be doing the opposite.
In addition, the nitrates used when processing meat contribute to health issues. All in all, it’s best to stay far away.
Candy
It comes as no surprise that candy has made the cut here. Sometimes, we can’t help it when we’re craving something sweet, but it’s quite obvious that candy is bad for your health. They contain just about no nutritional value. Candy is full of refined sugars and empty calories. They can contribute to health issues like weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. Excessive sugar intake can also increase the risk of spikes in blood glucose levels and metabolic disorders.
When it comes to appeasing your sweet tooth, there are some better alternatives out there to consume. Why not try dark chocolate or fruit to hit the spot?
White Bread
Sandwiches can be the perfect lunch, but it’s all about choosing the right ingredients. Unfortunately, that starts with what type of bread you’re using to build your sandwich. White bread is made from refined flour, so it lacks fiber and essential nutrients that you get from whole grains. If you’re consuming a lot of white bread, it can cause spikes in your blood sugar levels. In addition, it can cause weight gain and diabetes.
Whole grain options are miles better for you. They provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals to make your sandwich both delicious and healthy.
Flavored Yogurts
Starting your day off with yogurt can seem like a pretty good idea. However, it’s essential to bear in mind what kind of yogurt you’re consuming. Quite a few brands out there will try to convince you that their product is healthy, but often, it’s not. In fact, many of them will contain added sugars and unnecessary ingredients. Surprisingly, the low-fat yogurts actually contain up to 45 grams of sugar.
Yogurts like this will cancel out any benefits you may have gotten from them. There are healthier yogurt options out there, so it’s best to avoid the flavored ones altogether.
Shellfish
Shellfish is a little more rogue, as it’s not really the type of food that most of us consume every day. It’s quite pricey and isn’t very convenient, especially if you’re miles away from water. However, if you’ve got a taste for seafood and like to treat yourself, shellfish is one to be cautious of. Shellfish includes the likes of shrimp, crab, and lobster, as well as mussels and oysters.
All of these can be really high in cholesterol and sodium. In addition, they pose the risk of foodborne illnesses. If you want shellfish, go to restaurants you trust and consume in moderation.
Packaged Gelatin
Jell-O and other packaged gelatin can seem like a delicious afternoon snack. It feels like the perfect dessert when we don’t fancy hurting our teeth. However, it’s one of the biggest dessert options that people over the age of 60 should be avoiding. These snacks are high in artificial flavors and sugars that are bad for us. But that’s not all. The artificial flavor contains something called carcinogens. This, combined with gelatin, can lead to serious metabolism issues, such as weight gain.
It’s miles better to make your own gelatin snacks yourself at home. You can add natural fruit juices and avoid all the bad artificial flavorings in packaged gelatin.
Butter
Who doesn’t love a bit of butter melting on some hot toast? Or some butter in your pasta? To be honest, butter pairs nicely with a lot of food. But, as we’re learning, this is not good for you. It’s important to be cautious of our consumption of butter once we get older. Butter is likely to increase your cholesterol levels and raise the risk of heart disease if you’re eating too much of it.
Even though it adds a lot of flavor to meals, an excessive intake of it is best to be avoided. Instead, you can opt for things like avocado or olive oil.
Undercooked Meat
Some people like to opt for a medium rare option when eating burgers and steak. However, as you get older, it’s best to ask for it to be thoroughly cooked through. Consuming undercooked meat past your 60s can lead to health complications and weaken your immune system. In addition, undercooked meat can host harmful bacteria like parasites, E. coli, and salmonella. These are all really bad for your overall health.
To avoid serious foodborne illness, you can get a meat thermometer. This makes sure that everything is cooked and that your meat reaches safe temperatures. That way, you can eat your meat with good faith that it’s thoroughly cooked.
Sprouts
A lot of us love to throw sprouts into our meals, as we think that they’ve got quite a lot of health benefits. They do add minerals and vitamins to a meal, but they can be quite bad if you’re over the age of 60. Sprouts may contain a selection of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella. Those who have a weakened immune system will be more susceptible to these bacteria.
If you are going to eat them, ensure that they are fully cooked through. If not, you want to avoid them altogether and try some alternative vegetables.
Raw Milk
Did you know there are quite a few people who think that consuming raw milk is good for you? While dairy is certainly good for you in many ways, it’s important to make sure we’re consuming the correct kind of dairy. Unpasteurized raw milk can contain dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli, salmonella, and listeria. These can pose a serious risk for foodborne illnesses, particularly if you have a weakened immune system.
Overall, you’re better off avoiding raw milk altogether. Instead, you can go for pasteurized milk and dairy products, which will be much better for you.
Fried Foods
To be real, we all love a little bit of fried chicken or french fries. Even so, we should be thinking about reducing the amount of fried food we’ve got on our plates. This is especially true for people over the age of 60. Choosing foods that are prepared differently can make all the difference to your health. The processing of frying can produce harmful compounds such as trans fats and acrylamide.
These compounds are linked to health issues like cancer and chronic inflammation. Fried foods will also contribute to weight gain, heart disease, and other health issues. Even something as simple as using an air fryer instead could improve the health effects.
Sushi
This is going to be a tough one for all the sushi lovers out there. We hate to admit it, but sushi does, unfortunately, come with quite a few risks. Traditionally, sushi is made with raw seafood, which can potentially expose you to parasites or bacteria. As well as that, there is a chance fish in sushi may contain high levels of mercury, which is not good for your health. It’s best to stay cautious and, perhaps, as hard as it seems, limit the amount of sushi you’re eating.
The best thing to do is find a sushi restaurant that you trust. That way, you can stay away from harmful bacteria and parasites. Or, better yet, why not learn how to make it yourself?