Here are some foods that nutritionists say you must take off your menu starting from today:
Meats
Meat is not as nutritious as we think. It
can contain 20 to 30 per cent of fat. Instead, look for lean fish with
no more than 10 per cent fat. Or for a healthier protein source that is
easy to chew, like lean chicken.
High-salt foods
If you are over 40 or in a high-risk
group, doctors recommend that you get no more than 1,500 milligrams of
sodium each day. Too much sodium can raise your blood pressure and put
you at higher risk for heart attack and stroke.
Want to know foods that have a lot of
salt? The main culprits are processed foods, such as frozen foods and
meat, snack foods, potato and banana chips, and macaroni and spaghetti.
Read labels carefully and look for “sodium free,” low-salt, or no-salt
alternatives.
Alcohol
Alcohol disrupts sleep and can raise your
blood pressure as you age. Though moderate drinking may reduce your
risk of heart attack and some types of strokes.
But as you age, alcohol
may affect you differently, even if you are used to a glass of wine with
dinner or a beer with TV.
Alcohol can also cause hypoglycemia in people
with diabetes. It even affects the way medicines work. Talk to your
doctor about your alcohol use.
Caffeine
Although caffeine may not be a problem
for everyone, it can make some people feel anxious or jittery. Caffeine
can also increase your heart rate and cause sleeping problems. If you
are trying to cut back, be sure to taper off slowly.
Stopping caffeine
too quickly may cause headaches, nausea, or vomiting. Slowly replace
caffeinated drinks with water, herbal tea, or decaf as you age.
Whatever your age, you can start making
positive lifestyle changes today. Eating well can help you stay healthy
and independent – and look and feel good – in the years to come.
To eat healthier, you can begin by taking
small steps, making one change at a time. For instance, you might just
start with taking out meat.
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