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You need carbs — good, healthy, unrefined carbs that are low in sugar and high in fiber. Contrary to what many of us have been told, a diet with substantial, quality carbohydrates provides energy and keeps us fuller for longer.
But at a certain point, and especially as we age and our metabolisms get slower, avoiding the wrong carbs can be just the thing that’s needed to keep weight off and burn more fat.
Here are four carbs no one over 40 should be eating anymore because they cause stomach and back fat.
Juice
Don’t make the mistake of confusing whole fruit with fruit juice. Though even natural fruit contains sugar, fruits like apples and blueberries also serve as an important source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Many juices have been processed and many of their nutrients have been stripped as a result of that processing. All of that sugar minus nutrients you need equals a beverage you can live without.
French Fries
An ordinary potato is rich in vitamins and minerals and makes for one healthy carb — but the way you cook that potato makes all of the difference. Deep fried French fries are high in saturated fat, and sometimes even trans fat — both of which elevate your risk of heart disease and can cause weight gain. If you truly love the taste of French fries, it may be worth investing in an air fryer that keeps oil and grease to a bare minimum.
Sugary Flavored Yogurt
Plain, low-fat Greek-style yogurt is one of the healthiest foods you can eat — it’s rich in gut-balancing, anti-inflammatory probiotics, low in calories, and high in protein. But its flavored yogurt cousin is a watered down, sugar-laden version of the real deal. And all of that sugar messes with your metabolism and causes more inflammation — which defeats the purpose of enjoying healthy yogurt in the first place.
Most cereals
Marketed as a healthy breakfast and snack option, most cereal brands forget to remind you that they’re actually super high in sugar and have more in common with dessert than they do a protein-rich breakfast. It’s important to read labels because some cereals can have as much as 18 grams of sugar. Avoid sugary cereals and stick with whole grain or ancient grain cereals that contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
