Skip to main content
Chic hairstyles for women over 50 in 2026.
Donald Trump discussing maternal healthcare initiatives.
Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton at a royal event.

Food

4 Metabolism-Slowing Foods No One Should Be Buying Anymore Because They Cause Instant Weight Gain

June 2, 2021 by Robyn Turk
shefinds | Food
Featured image

We all know that there are some foods that can be pretty bad for our health, but most of us keep eating them anyway. For the most part, many unhealthy foods are okay to keep eating in small quantities – but not all unhealthy foods fit into this category.

In reality, there are certain foods that no one should ever eat, even once in a while, because they can slow down your metabolism and cause weight gain – no matter how healthy the rest of your meals are.

Read on to see what foods health experts recommend cutting out completely.

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
white bread worst metabolism slowing foods instant weight gain

White Bread

All bread has carbs, but certain types of carbs are better for you than others. However, all refined grains are bad for your health, meaning white bread should stay out of your pantry.

According to Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, author of Belly Fat Diet For Dummies, "When a grain is refined, such as in the making of flour for white bread, the outermost and innermost layers of the grain are removed. This removes the fiber and some (25 percent) protein, leaving behind the starch."

granola bars worst metabolism slowing foods instant weight gain

Granola Bars

Even though they are often marketed as a nutrient-rich snack, granola bars are one of the worst foods you can eat. They are typically loaded with sugar that can slow down your metabolism.

Nutritionist Anju Mobin told SheFinds, "Granola bars are often advertised as a healthy snack to fill an empty stomach. But in reality, they are rich in simple sugars that can only cause a crash after a few hours."

farmed beef worst metabolism slowing foods instant weight gain

Farmed Beef

While beef is high in protein and iron, it is important to pay attention to what type of beef you buy. Most farmed beef is treated with antibiotics, which most people don't want to eat.

Compared to grass-fed beef, farmed beef is lower in nutrients like vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acides and beta-carotene.

fruit juice worst metabolism slowing foods instant weight gain

Fruit Juice

Fruit juice is not a healthy drink. Just because something is made with fruit, doesn't mean it is healthy. In fact, fruit juices are often just as bad for you as soft drinks like soda because of their high sugar content.

This type of drink is also loaded with carbs, which means drinking fruit juice can ultimately cause weight gain and slow your metabolism.

Author:

Robyn Turk is a style and beauty writer, contributing to the SheFinds team. Her work has appeared in StyleCaster, Business Insider, Refinery29, DailyMail and others.

Woman enjoying a cup of spearmint tea for relaxation.
Various types of bread displayed for culinary inspiration.
Delicious baked goods from Costco's bakery section.
Woman holding her head, expressing stress or discomfort.
Woman experiencing joint pain and seeking relief.
Close-up of skincare products for beauty enhancement.
Popular coffee and fast food brands displayed together.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
Wooden board featuring bagels, blueberries, and butter.
Comparison of cooking spray versus olive oil for health.
Traditional Brazilian dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking the time while enjoying a healthy breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwich products at grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice and fresh greens.
Inside view of Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of baked goods including s'mores brownies.
Grilled chicken breast served with salad and fries.
Frozen pizza options available in grocery store aisle.
Fried fish served with fries, a classic comfort meal.
Woman enjoying a cup of spearmint tea for relaxation.
Various types of bread displayed for culinary inspiration.
Delicious baked goods from Costco's bakery section.
Woman holding her head, expressing stress or discomfort.
Woman experiencing joint pain and seeking relief.
Close-up of skincare products for beauty enhancement.
Popular coffee and fast food brands displayed together.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
Wooden board featuring bagels, blueberries, and butter.
Comparison of cooking spray versus olive oil for health.
Traditional Brazilian dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking the time while enjoying a healthy breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwich products at grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice and fresh greens.
Inside view of Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of baked goods including s'mores brownies.
Grilled chicken breast served with salad and fries.
Frozen pizza options available in grocery store aisle.
Fried fish served with fries, a classic comfort meal.