Trade in Bad Food for Better Food

10 easy food switches for an extra 10 good years
courtesy of Oprah

Out: Milk chocolate

In: Dark chocolate
Why: Dark chocolate (look for at least 60 percent cocoa) is a concentrated source of antioxidants, which protect cells from age-related damage; milk chocolate contains significantly smaller amounts. And chocolate's fat doesn't raise cholesterol. Preliminary results from my lab show benefits to blood vessels two hours after eating dark chocolate or drinking it in cocoa. Nibble an ounce, sip a small cup—the calories still add up.
Out: White bread
In: Whole grain bread
Why: Whenever you replace white flour with whole grains—in bread, cereal, pasta—it's a strike against aging. Soluble fiber, found in oats and barley, has been linked to lower levels of insulin and bad cholesterol (think: diabetes and heart disease), and insoluble fiber in whole wheat reduces risk of gastrointestinal maladies like diverticulosis. Check out bread made with the new albino whole wheat—it tastes like the real white thing.
Out: 1/4 of the sugar in a baking recipe
In: The same amount of nonfat powdered milk
Why: Reducing sugar in cakes, cookies, and bread will start retraining your taste buds to prefer less sweetness in your entire diet—a good antiaging goal, because in addition to weight gain and diabetes, chronically high intake of sugar can lead to glycosylation. This is a process in which sugar molecules adhere to protein molecules, potentially damaging cells, increasing inflammation, and contributing to the blockage of arteries.
Out: Diet soda
In: Water
Why: There is no better beverage than water to help you stay hydrated, which is important in keeping body systems running well. Diet soda quenches thirst, but some experts still worry that its artificial sweeteners—officially considered safe—may be linked to cancer. My main concern with them is that they propagate a sweet tooth, which leads to more sugar intake and the overall deterioration of the diet.Out: 1/4 of your meat
In: Lentils
Why: Saturated fat (which meat tends to have a lot of) can gum up arteries and speed you toward heart disease. Too little fiber (meat has zero) can accelerate the aging of the gastrointestinal system. Beans and lentils are the opposite of meat: lots of fiber and no saturated fat—and they provide protein. How can you lose?
Out: Regular yogurt
In: Low-fat or fat-free yogurt
Why: Dairy foods are a great source of calcium and vitamin D, which help keep bones from thinning. But the saturated fat in whole milk, cheese, and yogurt contributes to artery clogging. Switching to low- or no-fat dairy gives you all the benefits without the risks.
Out: 1/4 of your meat
In: Fish
Why: Fish is an ideal lean protein source, low in saturated fat. Certain varieties such as salmon are also high in omega-3 fatty acids—vital for heart and possibly brain health. Unfortunately, some species also contain contaminants: If possible, eat wild versus farm-raised salmon and limit albacore (white) tuna to one meal a week. If you're pregnant or nursing, check out the guidelines at www.epa.gov/ost/fishadvice/advice.html.Out: Bag of potato chips
In: Slices of apple
Why: An apple has no fat, few calories, lots of soluble fiber, and antioxidants. What does a potato chip offer? Pretty nil on the valuable nutrients score, and it's a great source of oil, calories, and salt. A good rule of thumb is to go with foods that come packaged by Mother Nature, i.e., apple (skin) versus chips (plastic bag), banana (peel) versus candy bar (wrapper). Both you and the environment will be around longer to enjoy each other.