July 11, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

I’m Over 50… Should I Change My Diet?

Hot Flash with Barbara Bishop

Over the summer, I had a horrible experience with an undiagnosed gall bladder infection that turned deadly. My eyes turned yellow, I had flu-like symptoms, broke out in a rash all over my body, and had weird bodily fluid episodes. I also had horrible back and chest aches. I went to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack or stroke.

Luckily, my primary care doctor correctly diagnosed the problem before my liver and pancreas shut down. I had surgery to have my gallbladder removed a week later, and not too soon.

Everyone says that it doesn’t make much of a difference if you don’t have a gallbladder. I beg to differ. I learned that the gallbladder is an extra filter for digestion before food is further processed via the liver. My surgeon said something about staying away from fatty foods when she spoke to me in recovery. She didn’t tell me why, though.

Soon after my recovery, I found out first hand when I had an order of sweet potato fries with my chicken Caesar salad. An hour later, I um, had to sprint to the nearest bathroom, where I promptly pooped (can I say this in writing?) everything out; um, rather quickly, if you know what I mean.

I recently went to a dietitian to help me with healthier food choices specific to my condition. I learned a lot. Here are some of the key points that everyone over 50 can use:

After 50, your body doesn’t digest food the way it did when you were younger. Your metabolism slows down and you’re more likely to lose muscle mass and see changes in your weight. As a result, it takes a little more thought and effort to make sure you get enough nutrition and stay a healthy weight.

People over 50 need to watch their calories a bit more closely and eat less food with added sugar or a lot of solid fats, like the ones in butter or shortening. Or pizza. Or cheese. Or ice cream. Or sweet potato fries. Or any fries.

Gone are the days when I was under 100 pounds, my metabolism was in full gear and I could eat a whole medium pizza in one sitting without gaining a pound. Or getting sick.

Experts say men over 50 who are moderately active should get between 2,200 and 2,400 calories a day. For women, that number is about 1,800 calories.

So what should people over 50 eat more, or less of?

For example, you may need to eat more lean protein, get more exercise to make up for the loss of muscle mass, get some sun to replace your vitamin D and eat more fruits and vegetables. This was what my dietitian told me I need to do.

If you’re worried about your weight, as I have been since my mid-30s, go with foods that pack a lot of nutrition without a lot of calories. These foods include fruits and vegetables, whole grains like oatmeal and brown rice and beans and nuts. Lean meat, eggs and seafood also fall into this category, along with low-fat milk and cheese.

I can do this! Goodbye pizza, French fries. It’s been nice knowing you.

Related Posts

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

The Reservoir Play Opens at Geffen Playhouse

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The play follows Josh, whose life is unraveling, as he receives unconventional support from his grandparents. Their unsolicited advice, judgments,...

Angelini Grill Opens Limited Run at Peninsula Beverly Hills

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The menu includes tableside Dover Sole, lobster salad, and a signature pasta tasting A new culinary collaboration, Angelini Grill, launched...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

The Bar at Century Plaza to Celebrate National Caviar Day with Exclusive Tastings

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The seven-hour event will feature exclusive caviar tastings and champagne pairings The Bar at Fairmont Century Plaza will host a...

Westwood Village Cooking Class to Showcase Spanish Paella

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The class will guide participants through crafting both seafood and vegetarian versions of the iconic Spanish dish Food enthusiasts will...

Unmasking ICE: Senators Push for Visible IDs After Secretive LA Immigration Raids

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bill Requires Federal Agents to Display Visible Identification During Raids U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) on...

Bacio di Latte’s Beverly Hills Gelateria Debut Blends Italian Tradition with California Cool

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Gelateria Features In-House Gelato, Espresso Drinks, and Decadent Signature Flavors Bacio di Latte has officially opened its latest U.S. flagship...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

Brentwood Feels Impact as Feds Slash Office Leases Across Los Angeles

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

New Tracker Reveals Over 70,000 Square Feet Cut in 2025 Alone Los Angeles County’s office market is experiencing a fresh...

Lost Bunny on the Beat: Beverly Hills Police Seek Owner of Wayward Rabbit

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Fluffy Wanderer Found Near City Hall, BHPD Caring for Missing Pet The Beverly Hills police are caring for a domestic...

Interview: The Dinah Creator Mariah Hanson on Legacy, Change, and the Future of Queer Celebration

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

After 34 Groundbreaking Years, Hanson Reflects on Joy, Power, and Her Final Dinah  We spoke with Mariah Hanson, the creator...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

One Last Bite: La Novia Bids Farewell with Final Pop-Up at Cardinale du Vin

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Inventive Latin-Asian Pop-up Serves Seasonal Small Plates for One-Night-Only La Novia, the pop-up kitchen known for its inventive Latin-Asian flavors,...