While fried food isn’t generally known to be healthy, there is one kind of appetizer that health experts say can really set back your weight loss goals. We checked in with registered nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet, and registered dietitian Dana Ellis Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD, of UCLA medical center to learn more about this unfortunately delicious fried snack and its impact on your health and metabolism.
Mozzarella Sticks & Their Impact On Metabolism
When it comes to fried food, Richards acknowledges that while there really is "no healthy option," some choices, like mozzarella sticks, are "agreeably much worse in terms of nutrition, than others." Mozzarella sticks are not only fried, she notes, but they contain high fat cheese as well. "This appetizer is one of the worst for your metabolism because it contains a significant amount of calories and fat along with the inflammatory nature of the ingredients," she explains.
These sticks contain gluten and dairy, which Richards says are both "inflammatory and can lead to bloating and weight gain." This, she adds, ultimately slows down metabolism and makes it "more difficult to lose weight." Fried foods integrate an excessive amount of saturated fat and calories, Richards warns, that are "simply unnecessary and can be avoided."
Hunnes agrees, and says that the "least healthy type of carbohydrate to eat over the age of 40" is ultra-processed carbohydrates that are often found in fried foods like mozzarella sticks. "The reason these types of carbs are not great at any age, let alone over 40, is because they provide no nutritional benefit, they are often devoid of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds," Hunnes says. This, she stresses, is "terrible for the metabolism" because it leads to insulin spikes, increases in IGF-1, an inflammatory marker, and increases risk for chronic diseases and deposition (fat storage) of calories in the body.
Appetizers To Choose Instead
Instead of mozzarella sticks for your appetizer, Hunnes says that "we are best off to eat the least processed carbohydrates possible," such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, "in their natural form, unprocessed." These foods are not harmful for our metabolism (and can be found in many appetizer or entree options at your favorite restaurants) and are "anti-inflammatory, high in fiber, and help regulate weight," she concludes.
