These Unhealthy Health Foods Are Ageing Your Skin and Body Without You Realising?
You read the labels. You skip the crisps. You choose the yoghurt marked “high protein” and the granola that claims to be “natural.” You’re doing your best to eat well especially now that you’re over 50 and want to support your energy, weight, and skin.
But what if the foods you’ve been told are healthy are actually working against you?
In this article, I’m going to expose the hidden truth behind 10 so-called health foods that are quietly sabotaging your metabolism, inflaming your gut, and ageing your skin from the inside out.
More importantly, I’ll show you what to look out for, how to decode the clever food marketing tricks, and what to choose instead so you can fuel your body with real nourishment that supports your hormones, smooths your skin, and helps you feel vibrant again.
This isn’t about guilt or restriction. It’s about clarity, control, and confidence as you step into your strongest chapter yet.
Once you have read this article and have got clear on the most unhealthy health foods, you can dazzle your friends with your nutrition knowledge!
What’s the Real Problem with “Healthy” Foods?
You’ve been sold a version of health that looks great on the label but leaves you feeling bloated, sluggish, and frustrated when your body doesn’t respond the way it used to.
Helen, like so many women over 50, wants to make better choices. She buys the low-fat yoghurts, the “clean” protein bars, the gluten-free snacks. She avoids “bad” fats and watches her sugar.
But nothing’s changing. In fact, she feels like her skin is duller, her tummy’s more sensitive, and her energy’s lower than ever.
The truth? The food industry has mastered the art of health-washing.
But behind the clever branding, these products are often ultra-processed, blood-sugar spiking, and packed with ingredients that disrupt your metabolism, gut health, and skin integrity.
Many ultra processed foods are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to serious health issues. Regular consumption of these foods is linked to an increased risk of obesity and other chronic health conditions.
Health-Washing: When Labels Lie
Health-washing is when processed foods are made to look healthy using buzzwords like:
- “High protein” (but from low-quality isolates or with added sugar)
- “Low fat” (but loaded with artificial sweeteners or emulsifiers)
- “Natural” or “plant-based” (but ultra-processed and stripped of nutrients)
- “Gluten-free” (but filled with gut-disrupting gums and starches)
Breakfast cereals are a common example often marketed as healthy, but many are highly processed and high in sugar due to added ingredients.
These claims are designed to attract women like you smart, health-conscious, and trying to take care of yourself during a hormonal transition. But behind the clever branding, these products are often ultra-processed, blood-sugar spiking, and packed with ingredients that disrupt your metabolism, gut health, and skin integrity.
What Happens When You Eat These Foods Regularly?
Here’s what I see time and again in my clinic:
- Bloating and sluggish digestion – from synthetic fibres and gut-disrupting additives
- Weight gain around the middle – from insulin spikes and hidden sugars
- Dry, reactive skin – from inflammation and poor collagen support
- Mood swings, fatigue, and cravings – from blood sugar crashes and nutrient depletion
Regular consumption of these foods is associated with an increased risk of developing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
These foods aren’t just disappointing they’re actively working against the hormonal shifts you’re navigating post-menopause.
And If You’re Over 50…
Your metabolism has naturally slowed. Estrogen has declined, making your body more sensitive to inflammation, sugar, and stress. What might have worked at 30 no longer serves you now. And unfortunately, many of the “wellness” foods marketed to women today don’t take that into account.
That’s why this article exists not to scare you, but to empower you.
Adopting a healthy diet that emphasizes whole, minimally processed, and nutrient-dense foods can help support your metabolism and overall well-being during and after menopause.
How These Foods Affect You in Menopause
- Blood Sugar Levels: With declining insulin sensitivity during menopause, foods high in sugar or refined carbohydrates can cause frequent spikes and crashes, contributing to fatigue, cravings, and weight gain.
- Diets high in ultra-processed foods those containing preservatives, flavor enhancers, and sweeteners can further worsen insulin sensitivity and contribute to menopause symptoms.
- Liver Function: The liver works harder to detoxify excess sugars, artificial ingredients, and preservatives. Over time, this can lead to fatty liver disease, inflammation, and reduced metabolic efficiency.
- Gut Microbiome: A healthy microbiome is crucial for immune function, hormone balance, and digestion. Many of these foods disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria, leading to bloating, inflammation, and digestive discomfort.
Prioritising whole, minimally processed foods can help lower risk of chronic diseases and support long-term health.
You’ll discover how seemingly healthy foods might derail your future health and wellness goals and learn how to make better choices.
Let’s explore these food pitfalls and ensure you’re on the right track to achieve optimal health
No1 – Dried Fruit
Understanding the Sugar Content In Dried Fruit
So, a surprising fact about dried fruit is its high sugar concentration. Dried fruit might seem like a nutritious snack because it’s made from real fruit. However, drying often concentrates sugars, resulting in a calorie-dense product. For instance, a handful of raisins can contain more sugar than a candy bar. Compared to other common snack foods, dried fruit is often eaten in larger quantities due to its small size, which can lead to consuming more sugar and calories than intended.
Furthermore, many commercial brands add sweeteners and preservatives to extend shelf life, further increasing sugar content. Therefore, it’s crucial to check labels before indulging.
Opt for Whole Fresh Fruits Instead
Instead of reaching for dried fruit, consider choosing fruit in its most natural form. To keep blood sugar levels low, enjoy small fresh berries, such as raspberries and blueberries. They provide antioxidants, nutrients, fibre, and hydration with fewer calories and sugars.
No2 – Fruit Juice
Hidden Sugars in Every Sip
A single serving of orange juice in the morning contains as much sugar as a can of cola. In fact, the amount of added sugar in some fruit juices can be comparable to that found in fizzy drinks, both of which can be detrimental to dental health and overall well-being. Consuming it regularly can hinder weight loss efforts and contribute to insulin sensitivity.
Fruit juice has long been marketed as a healthy beverage, but the reality might surprise you. While it derives from fruits, much of the fibre is lost during processing, leaving a sugar-laden drink. Like sugary sodas, it can cause insulin spikes, leaving you hungry and tired.
For example, a 150ml glass of orange juice is 6 GL – Use Glycemic Load Calculator.
It is recommended to have under 15 GLV per meal
Better Alternatives for Hydration
Try infusing sparkling water with freshly squeezed lemon or lime for a healthier alternative. This provides a refreshing taste without added sugars.
Herbal teas or eating whole small to medium fruits are also excellent choices that retain all the beneficial fibres and nutrients.
No3 – Wholemeal Food
The Wholemeal Food Myth
Many products labelled as wholemeal are actually refined grains with added sugars, despite being deemed healthy.
For example, wholemeal bread and pasta are grains that are stripped of their beneficial components when they are processed, either milled or refined. Some healthier whole grain options include wholewheat pasta and wholegrain bread.
These are examples of foods that retain more of the grain’s natural nutrients and fibre compared to their refined counterparts.
So even “100% whole grain” has been processed, marketing this misconception leads to overconsumption of unhealthy carbs.
Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel, providing more nutrients and fibre.
Choosing True Whole-Grain Options
To truly benefit from whole grains, select products that contain the entire grain kernel or are still in their most natural form. For example, Quinoa, oats, and rice can positively impact your diet due to their insoluble and soluble fibre, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6, which provide slower-releasing energy.
No4 – Sugar Free Sweets
Exploring Artificial Sweeteners
Sugar-free sweets often replace sugar with artificial sweeteners. But these alternatives can be misleading, giving a false sense of security as artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose may have fewer calories but can disrupt gut health and lead to increased appetite.
Research suggests that they may increase cravings and alter metabolism, potentially leading to weight gain. The release of the fat-storing hormones, insulin, is based on the sweetness on the tongue, not the number of calories.
It’s essential to understand their impact on your body beyond just calories. Especially when managing diabetes, as these sweets are often recommended, but they will still impact blood sugar levels
Natural Sweetener Options
Natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit are healthier alternatives. These provide sweetness without the adverse effects of artificial options.
Moderation is key, even with natural sweeteners, but if you want sugar, have sugar. Is it less sweet than your sweeteners?
No5 – Soya Yogurt
Assessing Nutritional Content
Soya yoghurt is often perceived as a healthy dairy alternative, as soya can be a good source of plant-based protein.
However, many brands add sugars and stabilisers to enhance flavour and texture, reducing their nutritional value.
Food manufacturers often incorporate these ingredients to enhance taste and prolong shelf life, thereby making the product more appealing and durable.
Therefore, it is essential to look for unsweetened versions and add your own berries and seeds for flavour and texture. But this isn’t easy with Soya yoghurts, as they do not taste very nice in their natural form. Hence, the manufacturing companies seem to add vanilla at a minimum.ds
Finding Better Yogurt Options
If you enjoy yoghurt, consider Authentic Greek Yoghurt. It has an excellent protein content and a positive impact on the gut.
If you struggle with cow’s milk products, you should avoid all yoghurts as the 100% dairy-free or lactose-free products have also been processed; for example, almond or coconut yoghurt is a highly processed food. Just because it does not contain cow’s milk and is made from plant-based protein does not make it automatically healthy – it has to be processed to make it into yoghurt! Just eat the almonds or some coconut.
No6 – Granola
Understanding Granola's Ingredients
Granola is the most commonly misunderstood, unhealthiest health food!
Commercially produced granola masquerades as a health food but is very calorie-dense and significantly inflammatory due to its high level of extra sugar, such as honey or dried fruit. Additionally, it contains palm oil, which is high in saturated fats and unhealthy fats.
Many granolas also contain saturated fats that can negatively impact your health, increasing the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.
It is essential to consume it mindfully, especially if stubborn tummy fat is a concern. Ar
Making Healthier Granola Choices
Making your own granola allows you to control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary sugars and fats.
However, the ingredients in their most natural form benefit your health, so for a better option, make homemade granola.
This allows you to control ingredients and portion sizes, ensuring a nutritious breakfast that balances your blood sugars and supports your gut microbiome first thing in the morning.
Mix rolled oats with lightly toasted nuts, seeds, and a touch of cinnamon for a delicious topping to your yoghurt.
No7 – Fruit Flavoured Water
Compared with Real Fruit Juices
Even when labelled natural, fruit-flavoured drinks rarely contain significant fruit content. They’re often supplemented with flavours and colours, masking their true composition and misleading consumers.
These beverages lack the nutrients of real fruit and offer empty calories instead or even worse sweetners
Better Beverage Choices
Stick to water, herbal teas, or fresh whole fruit in diluted with water. These provide hydration without the unnecessary sugars and chemicals found in flavoured drinks.
No8 – Salad Dressing
Unpacking Healthy vs. Unhealthy Dressings
Salad dressings can transform a healthy meal into an unhealthy one with a tiny dollop or drizzle. For example, mayonnaise and salad cream contain rapeseed oil, a refined hydrogenated trans fat that produces bad cholesterol and can increase the risk of heart disease.
Even the most organic-looking dressing that claims to be made from olive oil more often still contains similar hydrogenated trans fats, but if not, it most definitely contains sweeteners, flavouring, and preservatives.
It’s crucial to read labels and know what you add to your salads. Many dressings are high in salt, and soy sauce is sometimes used as a salty flavoring. Choosing reduced salt options or making your own dressings can help manage salt intake.
Making Your Salad Dressings
For a truly healthier option, opt for homemade dressings made with simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, herbs, and spices. This allows you to control the ingredients and flavours for a delicious yet healthy addition to your salads.
No9 – Whey Protein
Understanding Whey Protein Supplements
Whey protein is a popular health food, especially among personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts, who use it to replace the essential protein they need after a workout. While replacing the protein is essential, the main issue is the whey protein.
The primary source of carbohydrates in Whey Protein is lactose, a milk sugar that can cause gut dysbiosis and trigger many allergies or sensitivities to dairy without you realising it. Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance in the gut bacteria that can lead to digestive problems, inflammation, and other health issues.
Opt for Other Protein Sources
Consider plant-based proteins like pea or hemp as alternatives to whey protein. These lactose-free sources still contain the protein benefits your body needs, making them a better option for people who want to boost protein intake.
These options are often purer and provide essential amino acids without the additives found in some whey proteins.
No10 – Couscous
Couscous is Not the Whole Grain You Think
Couscous is often mistaken for whole grain, but it’s essentially a type of pasta and, therefore, a refined, processed grain containing gluten, contributing to gut dysbiosis and inflammation. Compared to couscous, other foods that are less processed, such as whole grains, are higher in minerals and vitamins, making them a more nutrient-dense choice.
Instead, opt for whole grains like quinoa or brown rice, which are easier to digest and contain more nutrients than couscous. These alternatives are rich in vitamins and minerals and also provide a good amount of fibre, which can help regulate digestion and promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Alternatively, consider incorporating lentils, beans, or fish; they offer soluble fibre, resulting in a lower glycemic load than rice, and supply essential nutrients like magnesium, supporting hormonal balance.
Gluten-Free Products Aren't Always Healthier
Misconceptions About Gluten-Free Foods
When looking at alternatives, please do not fall for the gluten-free labels. They are misleading, and these products often contain higher amounts of sugar and trans fat.
Without gluten, manufacturers compensate by adding emulsifiers and gum stabilisers. These additional ingredients create an imbalance in gut pH levels, as the digestive enzymes do not know what they are, so they can not digest them safely, causing acid reflux and further gut dysbiosis.
Healthier Gluten-Free Alternatives
If you want gluten-free options, choose foods that naturally do not contain gluten, such as potatoes, fruits, and starchy vegetables. These are naturally free from gluten and provide essential nutrients without extra additives and gut issues.
