Skip to main content
Smith family at Bad Boys movie premiere event.
Kourtney Kardashian stunning at the Grammys red carpet.
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom at a public event.

Food

The One Food No One Over 50 Should Be Eating Anymore Because It Slows Your Metabolism

August 13, 2019 by Lisa Cupido
shefinds | Food
Featured image

When you’re trying to lose weight, everything you eat — and avoid — counts.

There’s nothing wrong with the occasional fun food indulgence, and in fact, dessert and crunchy snacks, eaten in moderation, can help prevent you from overeating.

But when it comes to choosing healthy every day foods that will boost your metabolism — especially if you are trying to combat normal weight gain that comes with age and hormonal changes — it’s simply best to ban a few foods from your life.

This is the one food no one over 50 should be eating anymore because it slows your metabolism.

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
potato chips

Potato Chips


We get it: the crunchy, salty taste of potato chips is irresistible. But this popular snack food could be seriously thwarting your efforts to lose weight.

veggie chips

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers were able to track the food habits of more than 12,000 women and men over a 20-year period to figure out which foods led to the most weight gain or weight loss.


As it turns out, potato chips are one of those unhealthy snacks that is linked to long-term weight gain. In fact, study participants who ate potato chips gained an average of 1.69 pounds.

popcorn

Sure, potato chips are made from potatoes. Yes, potatoes are a healthy veggie when baked or broiled.


But potato chips are fried in oil, which means they are high in saturated fat. Not to mention the fact that crispy, fried chips, which taste delish, actually contain a molecule called acrylamide that is a known neurotoxin that can cause cancer.


A better bet is to trade in potato chips for baked vegetable chips or air-popped popcorn, both of which are far lower in calories, fat, and sodium.

nuts

An even better trade? Go for a handful of nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews, which are linked to better weight loss outcomes, according to the same study.


A potato chip here and there isn’t the worst thing in the world, but making them a part of your daily or even weekly diet plan could cause weight gain. 

Author:

Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.

Person having a lunch meal.
Sipping spearmint tea in a cozy setting.
Variety of bread types showcased on a table.
Freshly baked goods from Costco bakery display.
Woman holding her head, expressing stress.
Woman experiencing joint pain while sitting.
Aromatic coffee with sugar being added.
Variety of fast food from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to a steaming cup of coffee.
Tasty bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken from above.
Close-up of watch as someone eats breakfast.
Display of deli meats, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sausages.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Interior view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast with fries, salad, and dipping sauces.
Frozen pizza options available in grocery store aisle.
Person having a lunch meal.
Sipping spearmint tea in a cozy setting.
Variety of bread types showcased on a table.
Freshly baked goods from Costco bakery display.
Woman holding her head, expressing stress.
Woman experiencing joint pain while sitting.
Aromatic coffee with sugar being added.
Variety of fast food from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to a steaming cup of coffee.
Tasty bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken from above.
Close-up of watch as someone eats breakfast.
Display of deli meats, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sausages.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Interior view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast with fries, salad, and dipping sauces.
Frozen pizza options available in grocery store aisle.