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Food

4 Foods No One Should Be Eating Anymore Because They Slow Your Metabolism

September 28, 2019 by Lisa Cupido
shefinds | Food
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Your metabolism is mostly the result of genetics. Some people were born with faster or slower metabolisms than others — and it’s important to embrace what we have instead of trying to constantly fight it. But, with that said, there are things that can be done to keep your metabolism working well, and to even help speed it up a bit.

A clean diet and exercise is important. What you don’t eat or what you eat only on occasion is equally important. Here are four foods no one should be eating anymore because they slow your metabolism.

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bagels

Bagels


It’s not that there is anything inherently wrong with enjoying a bagel now and again. But filling up on bagels each morning takes the place of foods that you could be eating that are much more nutrient dense. Your average bagel can contain anywhere between 250 to 800 calories, depending on its size - and that’s before you’ve added jelly, cream cheese, or butter. Keeping processed foods like bagels to a minimum and eating fiber-rich grains instead is much better for your metabolism.

soda

Soda


When you think of the phrase “empty calories,” it’s possible beverages like sugar come to mind. Soda is high in sugar and contains very little more than sugar. It spikes your blood sugar levels and can mess with your metabolism, while taking the place of beverages you could be drinking for better health, like water or green tea.

french fries

French fries


If you’re craving French fries, which are high in saturated fat and possibly trans fat, try swapping them for air fried or baked potatoes instead. Deep frying any food in vegetable oil is the quickest way to take it from healthy to unhealthy.

cereal

Sugary cereals


Cereals are quick and easy to make, and it’s perfectly understandable why they would be on your list of favorite fast foods. But the majority of cereals are also highly processed and filled with sugar, while shockingly low in nutrients like fiber and B vitamins. Trading cereal for steel-cut or rolled oatmeal is a quick way to gain nutrients and lose sugar.

Author:

Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.

Different types of bread displayed on a wooden table.
Costco bakery showcasing an assortment of fresh pastries.
Woman holding her head, appearing stressed or in pain.
Woman experiencing joint pain while sitting on a couch.
Shutterstock image showcasing beauty and skincare trends.
Dunkin' Donuts, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks logos on display.
Woman adding sugar to a steaming cup of aromatic coffee.
Wooden board with bagels, blueberries, and butter arranged nicely.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil in kitchen setting.
Top view of Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking time on a watch while enjoying breakfast meal.
Display of deli meats, sandwiches, and hot dog products.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside Costco store featuring various products and shoppers.
Woman taking magnesium supplement with water.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.
Frozen pizza options available in grocery store freezer.
Fried fish and fries served on a plate at restaurant.
Spilling vitamin C pills into hand for daily intake.
Different types of bread displayed on a wooden table.
Costco bakery showcasing an assortment of fresh pastries.
Woman holding her head, appearing stressed or in pain.
Woman experiencing joint pain while sitting on a couch.
Shutterstock image showcasing beauty and skincare trends.
Dunkin' Donuts, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks logos on display.
Woman adding sugar to a steaming cup of aromatic coffee.
Wooden board with bagels, blueberries, and butter arranged nicely.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil in kitchen setting.
Top view of Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking time on a watch while enjoying breakfast meal.
Display of deli meats, sandwiches, and hot dog products.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside Costco store featuring various products and shoppers.
Woman taking magnesium supplement with water.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.
Frozen pizza options available in grocery store freezer.
Fried fish and fries served on a plate at restaurant.
Spilling vitamin C pills into hand for daily intake.