While no foods should be completely “off limits” in a balanced diet, there is a direct correlation between certain foods–especially when consumed at a certain time of day–and weight gain. One of those is a common breakfast item that many of us with a sweet tooth might be inclined to reach for as a midday treat: pastries. Wait! These will almost certainly slow your weight loss progress, health experts warn.
Pastries, aka refined carbs, as well as donuts and cakes can lead to weight gain for a few reasons, Lisa Richards, certified nutritional coach and creator of tells us. And not just because of the obvious high calorie content (“some of these pastries top the scales at 400 calories, and 50-100 grams of diet-shattering sugars“) says Ronnie Lubischer, CSCS, fitness trainer and founder of Burn and Blast Training.
They “create a glucose and insulin reaction which favors fat storage and ultimately leads to weight gain,” she explains.
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“I run away from these things because of their high glycemic load,” Dr. Amy Lee, board certified doctor in internal medicine, medical nutrition and obesity medicine and partner of Nucific.
"This reaction also increases the likelihood of glucose crashes, which leave the individual hungry again soon after eating, along with irritability and fatigue," Richards continues. This begins a cycle of overeating that can be difficult to get off of in the afternoon when you are tired and hungry, she explains.
"One may find themselves craving for more food in the early hours; resulting in eating more calories for no reason," Dr. Lee concurs.
Why are pastries particularly obstructive to your weight loss goals after noon? The timing component is important, as well, experts say. "What you eat in the early afternoon largely determines the course of the rest of your day in regard to diet and energy," Richards says.
"When you're fueling yourself with foods that result in glucose crashes and hunger you are setting yourself up for overeating and weight gain." Yikes!
So, what should you eat instead? It is best to stick with complex carbs, lean meats, and healthy fat for lunch and afternoon snacks, she advises. "This will set the trajectory for the rest of the day towards healthier, more balanced food options."
