Anyone over 40 knows that their body just isn’t the same as it used to be, and it struggles to recover from unhealthy eating habits. As men age, it becomes harder to lose weight or maintain a healthy one. Obesity increases the risk of heart problems, cancers, an enlarged prostate, type-2 diabetes, and hormonal imbalances. Consequently, it’s important to maintain a good diet, exercise regularly, and know which foods to avoid as you get older.
Fried Foods
Although they may taste delicious, fried foods like French fries and chips, along with breaded and fried meats, clog your arteries with unhealthy oils. To keep your meals nutritious, try boiling, steaming, roasting, or baking your food instead of frying it.
Soda
Soda is loaded with caffeine, fructose, and refined sugar, making it one of the worst drinks for men over 40. The caffeine content in soda can also trigger gout. Replace soda with water or green tea for a much healthier option.
Fruit Juice
Fruit juice may seem like a healthier alternative to soda, but it can cause blood sugar spikes, making it especially harmful for people with diabetes or gout. Eating whole fruits and vegetables offers far more benefits than drinking juice, thanks to the fiber they provide.
Well-Done Red Meat
A diet high in red meat has been linked to high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Cooking meat at high temperatures can also make it carcinogenic, as evidenced by a link between well-done grilled meat and prostate cancer. Limit your consumption of red meat and opt for leaner alternatives where possible.
Bacon and Sausage
Processed meats like bacon and sausage should be avoided, particularly if you have a condition like arthritis. These foods are high in saturated fat, which increases inflammation in the body, leading to heart disease and high blood pressure. Opt for nitrate-free, organic meats instead.
White Bread Products
White bread products like crackers, rolls, bagels, pasta, and low-fiber cereals promote inflammation in the body, worsening arthritis and causing blood sugar spikes. Choose whole-grain and high-fiber products as a healthier option.
Pancakes
Pancakes may not seem that bad for you, but eating three large flapjacks is equivalent to consuming seven slices of white bread. Ditch the syrup, and opt for a breakfast higher in fiber and protein instead.
Nonorganic Dairy
Whole milk and nonorganic milk can have numerous negative effects on aging men. Limit your calcium intake from dairy, and choose fat-free or one-percent organic milk when possible to avoid synthetic hormones found in many nonorganic milk products.
Doughnuts
Doughnuts are loaded with sugar, white flour, and unhealthy trans fat, which has been linked to heart disease. The oil used to fry doughnuts is also unhealthy, so avoid this breakfast option.
Excessive Drinking
While a glass of red wine has some health benefits, excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to the liver and can even lead to osteoporosis. Moderating your alcohol intake will prevent premature aging and other health issues.
Eating Better to Age Better
Men over 40 should focus on eating whole, high-fiber foods rich in antioxidants. Incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet, and trade servings of meat for wild-caught fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. Plant-based proteins like nuts, beans, and lentils are also excellent options, as are healthy fats like olive oil and avocado. Steering clear of the worst foods for men over 40 will help you feel better, live longer, and stay healthier as you age.
