The way you choose to start your morning impacts your entire day—and this is especially true when it comes to the food you put in your body. Not only will the wrong breakfast prevent you from feeling energized throughout the day, but it could also be detrimental to your metabolism and weight loss goals.
To learn more about the worst foods you should avoid in the morning if you’re trying to lose weight, we spoke to dietitians Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet, and Edibel Quintero of HealthInsider. They told us that bagels and pancakes or waffles are some of the worst culprits out there.
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Bagels
There's nothing like a bagel and cream cheese on a Sunday morning... But unfortunately for those of us who love a good bagel sandwich, health experts say this high-carb breakfast should be avoided if you're trying to lose weight. Bakery items, in general, are never the best option for those looking to shed some pounds, and Richards says bagels are among the worst out there. "Bagels are one of the worst bakery items to purchase due to their calorie density and the toppings that are typically eaten along with them," she says.
Bagels themselves are loaded with calories and carbs. You've likely heard that white bread isn't good for weight loss—and bagels are a much denser option. "Bagels are a dense bread, which are nearly 1,200 calories per pound making them a food that easily leads to weight gain," Richards explains.
Then, of course, there are all the added toppings that come into play. "The cream cheese, sweeteners, nut butters and high fat meats used as toppings increase the calorie density of a bagel as well," Richard tells us. Of course, moderation is key, so choosing whole wheat bagels with light cream cheese every now and then could be a good compromise.
Pancakes and waffles
If savory bagels aren't your thing, maybe you're in the camp that prefers sweet pancakes and waffles with all the sugary toppings like whipped cream and syrup. You can probably guess, though, that this is another high-sugar, high-carb, high-fat breakfast that should be avoided if you're trying to slim down.
Just like bagels, these breakfast staples are made from refined carbs. "Pancakes and waffles are made from white flour and packed with refined carbohydrates that have a high glycemic index," Quintero explains. Unfortunately, although that makes them delicious, it will also wreak havoc on your body. "Any food that has high sugar levels and processed refined carbohydrates is likely to increase blood sugar levels. When these blood sugar levels are dropped, you feel hungry and tend to overeat, resulting in weight gain," she tells us.
It's important to consider the toppings you add here, too. Piling on the butter, syrup, and more can make the sugar content even more troubling. Luckily, there are a few healthier alternatives. Consider choosing whole wheat or protein pancakes along with healthier toppings to keep your body in better shape.
Don't get us wrong—we love an indulgent breakfast just as much as the next gal. But if you're serious about staying fit and nourishing your body with the healthiest food each morning, it's best to follow the advice of Quintero and Richards and limit your intake of these foods.
