Turning 40 can bring about a host of changes in your life, whether you're suddenly inspired to switch careers or change up your wardrobe. However, when it comes to your body, mid-life may be accompanied by a few less than pleasant changes—including metabolic shifts that make it significantly easier to gain weight and harder to keep it off.
Soda
You'd be hard-pressed to find any nutrition expert who'd call soda a healthy addition to your diet, and it's a particularly poor choice for people over 40.
"Sugary beverages have been linked to weight gain, obesity, and diabetes, and the over 40 crowd needs to be more careful to watch weight and sugar, as the pounds creep on as you age," says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim and an adjunct professor of nutrition at NYU, citing a 2010 study published in Physiology & Behavior.
"Because you aren't chewing, it's easier to drink too much quickly without registering signals of fullness," Dr. Young adds.
Butter
Whether you're spreading it on your toast in the morning or using it to cook your favorite veggies or proteins in, you might want to reconsider your regular use of butter once you hit 40.
"Butter is high in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease as it has been known to elevate your cholesterol. As you age, your cholesterol can creep up as does your risk for heart disease," says Young.
Processed desserts
If you're looking for a resolution to make for your next birthday, giving up those high-sugar treats might be a smart one if you're over 40.
"Desserts containing processed sugar, like cakes, cookies, pies, and candy, all make inflammation and muscle soreness worse," says Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD, of Wellness Verge, who notes that these foods can quickly contribute to weight gain, as well.
Alcohol
While enjoying a glass or two of wine after a long day or a cocktail with dinner may be part of your regular routine, it could be doing more damage to your health than you imagine, particularly if you've already hit the big 4-0.
"Poor sleep, weight gain, and inflammation are all exacerbated by alcohol. Also, many in their 40s have probably noticed hangovers getting worse," says Reisdorf. "I would recommend significantly limiting or avoiding alcohol completely after 40. The recommendation is no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 for women."
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