Scrumptious Reads

Fitness expert Kevin Haag asserts that for “every year over 50, the rule you are what you eat applies a little more.” In other words, as we get older we have to be more aware of and more careful about what we eat. Here are his recommendations for five foods to avoid and what you can replace them with.*

1. Avoid fried foods – broil instead.

If you simply must have a French fry, then make them at home in your oven. Use sweet potatoes, as these are a more complex carbohydrate. Cut into matchsticks, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil along with a dash of salt, then place in your oven on broil. Turn every five minutes until the fries are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

2. Avoid white bread – try sprouted grain bread instead.

If you must have bread, then stick with sprouted. Sprouted grain bread is a lot easier on your digestion and is full of nutrients. Sprouted grain breads are often kept in the freezer section since they don’t contain preservatives to prolong shelf life.

3. Avoid creamy salad dressing – replace with a vinaigrette.

Vinegar-based dressings have an amazing flavour yet minimal fat and calories. You can even mix your own dressing at home. Take high quality vinegar, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper, your choice of dried herbs, and a bit of olive oil.

4. Avoid white rice – use brown rice instead.

Brown rice has three times the amount of fibre, more B vitamins as well as other nutrients, and will keep you feeling fuller for longer.

5. Avoid white sugar – eat fruit instead.

Don’t turn to artificial sweeteners to get your sweet fix, instead turn to nature’s wholesome source of sugar: fruit. Eat fresh, seasonal, locally grown fruit. Stay away from dried fruit and fruit juices, as these are high in simple calories.

* From an original story in the Huffington Post.