Introduction
As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down. But, if you’re over 50, there are certain eating habits that can further slow your metabolism and make it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Dietitians have identified four eating habits that can have a negative impact on your metabolism after 50. Eating too much processed food, skipping meals, not eating enough protein, and not eating enough fiber can all contribute to a slower metabolism. Fortunately, there are simple changes you can make to your diet to help boost your metabolism and keep your weight in check. Read on to learn more about the four eating habits that can slow your metabolism after 50 and what you can do to make healthier choices.
4 Eating Habits That Slow Your Metabolism After 50, Say Dietitians — Eat This Not That
As you age, your metabolism naturally slows down. But, according to dietitians, there are certain eating habits that can further slow your metabolism after 50. Here are four eating habits to avoid if you want to keep your metabolism running smoothly.
1. Eating Too Much Processed Food
Processed foods are often high in calories and low in nutrients, which can lead to weight gain and slow your metabolism. Dietitians recommend avoiding processed foods as much as possible and opting for whole, unprocessed foods instead.
2. Eating Too Much Sugar
Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain and slow your metabolism. Dietitians recommend limiting your sugar intake and opting for healthier alternatives such as fresh fruit or natural sweeteners.
3. Eating Too Many Refined Carbs
Refined carbs such as white bread, white rice, and pasta can cause your blood sugar to spike, leading to weight gain and a slower metabolism. Dietitians recommend limiting your intake of refined carbs and opting for whole grain alternatives instead.
4. Eating Too Much Red Meat
Red meat is high in saturated fat, which can lead to weight gain and slow your metabolism. Dietitians recommend limiting your intake of red meat and opting for leaner proteins such as fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins.
By avoiding these four eating habits, you can help keep your metabolism running smoothly after 50. Remember to speak to your doctor or dietitian if you have any questions or concerns about your diet.
Our bodies naturally slow down as we age, regardless of how old we are. No matter who tells you otherwise, in your 50s, you are still young and young at heart. However, you’ll start to see some changes to your body that are inevitable. A slow metabolism—the process your body goes through when converting foods and drinks into energy—is one of those things that you can’t escape.
Even if your body currently processes food and drinks fast, what you eat and drink will eventually catch up to you. If you do not keep up with a healthy lifestyle such as a good diet and exercise, your metabolism will no longer help you out. Due to this, you could experience potential weight gain. If you’re beginning to experience a slow metabolism, take a look at these eating habits that don’t help the process. Then, be sure to check out 15 Warning Signs Your Metabolism is Slower Than It Should Be.
If you’re following a restrictive diet, it means you could be cutting out too many calories.
“If you are not eating enough, your body can slow its metabolism to accommodate,” says registered dietitian on our medical expert board Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LDN, CLEC, CPT, author of The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Cookbook, The 7 Ingredient Healthy Pregnancy Cookbook, and Fueling Male Fertility. “Eating too few calories every day can especially exacerbate a slow metabolism.”
One of the most common mistakes that can slow your metabolism is thinking that you need to starve and eat fewer calories to lose weight,” says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, and nutritionist in private practice.
Dr. Young also always recommends that people eat at least 1200 calories a day to avoid eating too little.
Sign up for our newsletter!
Iodine is a mineral often added to products like salt. It is also important for healthy thyroid function, which is the gland that regulates metabolism.
“Not getting enough iodine can cause your metabolism to slow,” says Manaker. “One of the simplest ways to include iodine in your diet is to opt for iodized salt. Seaweed is a great source of iodine too.”
Other iodine-rich foods include yogurt and seafood (especially cod).
Generally speaking, skipping meals comes with a lot of negative consequences.
“Many people think that skipping meals will help them lose weight. Actually, the opposite is true,” says Dr. Young. “Skipping meals can slow down your metabolism especially as you age, making it harder to lose weight.”
Eventually, skipping a meal can also lead to overeating later on, feeling as if you’re compensating for not eating earlier. Your body will also crave more junk food and processed food, leading to weight gain as well.
By fluids, we mean the healthy ones. Consuming too many unhealthy beverages like alcohol or sugary drinks can lead to excessive weight gain, not boasting well for your metabolism.
“Maintaining hydration can have a profound impact on your metabolism,” says Manaker. “Making sure that you are drinking enough water can help keep your metabolism in check while also helping you feel your best.”
Kayla Garritano