It Might Be Time To Say Goodbye To Bacon Cheeseburgers
As we age, our bodies become more discerning about certain foods that were once staples of our diets. After the age of 50, our metabolism slows, inflammation is more easily triggered, and our heart health requires increased attention and care. Bacon-forward meals are often loaded with sodium, preservatives, and fat, which can cause long-term harm to our health. Here are 10 bacon-forward dishes to stop eating after 50 and 10 replacements.
1. Bacon Cheeseburgers
Bacon cheeseburgers stack unhealthy stressors on the body. There's processed meat, refined buns, saturated fat, and sodium. Once you turn 50, this combo can raise your cholesterol levels and increase inflammation, making it more challenging for your cardiovascular system to bounce back.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are already super processed, so wrapping them in bacon doubles down on the salt, fat, and preservatives. For anyone over 50, eating this food can place extra strain on digestion and blood pressure regulation. Bacon-wrapped hot dogs are also calorie-dense and nutrition-free.
3. Bacon Alfredo Pasta
Alfredo is already full of cream and butter, and adding bacon adds some nice smokiness in addition to a lot of saturated fat. As your body becomes less efficient at processing rich dairy meals, eating bacon alfredo pasta will make you feel bloated, uncomfortably full, and lethargic.
4. Bacon-Loaded Breakfast Sandwiches
Eating a breakfast sandwich stacked with bacon, cheese, and refined bread delivers an unhealthy and unnecessary jolt of sodium early in the morning. After 50, this can negatively affect your blood sugar regulation and cause a mid-morning crash.
5. Bacon Mac and Cheese
After turning 50, you should probably stop eating mac and cheese regularly. That said, adding bacon to the dish pushes it into dangerous territory for your body. It combines refined carbs with heavy dairy and processed meat, a trio that is sure to trigger inflammation and cause bloating.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Chicken breast is a lean protein that's a smart choice for people over 50. Bacon-wrapped chicken breast, on the other hand, removes the healthy components and replaces them with saturated fat and sodium. Stick to the basics to get the healthy attributes of chicken breast.
7. Bacon-Topped Loaded Fries
Fries loaded with bacon, cheese, and sauces are terrible for anyone over 50 to eat. It delivers a high glycemic hit and a ton of processed fats. Eating this indulgent dish will quickly spike your blood sugar and cause prolonged inflammation.
8. Bacon Chowder
All cream-based soups with bacon are heavy and filled with sodium. While bacon chowder can be comforting and delicious, it's a bad idea for anyone over 50, especially when there are many options for broth-based soups.
9. Salads With Bacon
Why add bacon to a salad only to impact the nutritional value of a healthy meal? After 50, bacon bits only add sodium and fat to your diet, undermining the benefits of a salad.
10. Bacon on Pizza
Bacon pizza layers processed, fatty meat over crust and cheese, creating a heavy meal that's high in sodium and saturated fat. After 50, this can strain your heart health and disrupt your sleep.
1. Turkey Burgers
Replacing a bacon cheeseburger in your diet with a turkey or mushroom burger greatly reduces the saturated fat while creating a burger that's still delicious. You can include your favorite toppings, and turkey is a lean protein that's easier on an aging digestive system.
2. Grilled Sausages with Vegetables
Ditch bacon-wrapped hot dogs with a high-quality chicken or plant-based sausage and then grill it with vegetables. This combo offers protein and fiber without a lot of the unhealthy preservatives found in hot dogs.
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3. Olive Oil-Based Pasta with Herbs
Replace your favorite bacon alfredo recipe with a well-cooked pasta tossed in olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and vegetables. Olive oil is great for your heart health, and the herbs add a wonderful depth of flavor.
4. Egg and Veggie Breakfast Plates
Forget bacon-loaded breakfast sandwiches and instead go for eggs paired with cooked vegetables and whole grains. Your body will enjoy protein, fiber, and lots of nutrients.
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5. Baked Mac and Cheese with Veggies
A lighter version of bacon and mac and cheese includes roasted vegetables and reduced-fat cheese. Vegetables add texture and nutrients, while thoughtfully choosing a cheese maintains the dish's comfort without overloading it with fat.
6. Herb-Roasted Chicken
A beautifully herb-roasted chicken is much healthier than a bacon-wrapped chicken breast and just as flavorful. Season the chicken with lemon, herbs, and olive oil. After 50, simpler preparations are often more satisfying and energizing.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt Sauce
Swap French fries topped with bacon and gravy for roasted sweet potatoes paired with a yogurt-based dip. Sweet potatoes offer fiber and slow-burning carbs, while yogurt adds probiotics and protein. You still get to enjoy a comforting and indulgent side without the burden of bacon and the heavy sauces.
8. Vegetable Soups
A vegetable-based soup is just as tasty and satisfying as a bacon chowder. Use beans, lentils, or include a lean protein. These soups are ideal for winter and promote heart and gut health.
9. Salads with Nuts and Seeds
A salad topped with seeds, nuts, or roasted chickpeas delivers enough crunch and flavor to satisfy any bacon lover. These salads provide healthy fats and protein, but none of the harmful preservatives.
10. Pizza with Vegetables and Grilled Chicken
Instead of bacon pizza, make a version with lots of vegetables and grilled chicken. This pizza option reduces sodium and saturated fat while still leaving you feeling full.
