We all know that there are certain foods you shouldn’t be eating in the morning for weight loss, but many don’t consider dinner’s impact. There are some foods that you may be eating that are slowing your metabolism and increasing insulin resistance. Specifically, Dr. Andrea Maxim, MNLP, MChT, ND, licensed naturopathic doctor, master NLP practitioner and weight loss expert, and Trista Best, a dietitian for Balance One Supplements, say that pasta and fried chicken are the worst suppertime offenders. This is because pasta contains inflammatory components like refined carbohydrates that end up spiking insulin resistance. Fried chicken, on the other hand, is deep fried in partially hydrogenated oils, or trans fats, which slows your metabolism down. Find out more below!
READ MORE: 3 Dinner Mistakes That Practically Guarantee Morning Bloat
Pasta
We're sure you're already familiar with pasta—and likely have them in your weeknight dinner rotation—and you also probably know that this easy and hearty meal is not ideal for weight loss. Even when it's loaded with nutrient-rich sauces, spices, and herbs, like basil (which also boosts immunity!), if it's wheat pasta, Maxim warns that they can slow your metabolism and stall your weight loss plans. "Any wheat-based pasta will spike insulin levels and create inflammation faster than other versions of pasta," she explains. And, the wheat in pasta is naturally inflammatory. So, the body "really doesn't digest it well," Maxim adds.
Inflammation leads to bloating, which Maxim says can cause water retention. Similarly, the "density of the carbohydrates spikes insulin." This, she stresses, "spikes blood sugar, which causes more fat accumulation."
That's why it's best to avoid wheat-based pasta and opt for healthier versions when you can. In fact, chickpea pasta is a healthy alternative because it's higher in fiber, protein, and healthy starches. It's also gluten-free and much lower in carbohydrates. That's why chickpea pasta is more filling than regular pasta and leads to fewer cravings later on in the day. But, if wheat-based pasta is your only option, Maxim advises using "no more than 1 cup of cooked pasta in a serving,"
Fried Chicken
Another popular dinner meal that can slow your metabolism and increase your insulin resistance is fried chicken. Whether you're picking up a bucket from KFC or you're using your own fryer at home, there's no denying that fried chicken is unhealthy. If you find yourself eating fried chicken every day, you may be putting yourself at risk for a range of health complications down the line. This is because of the ingredients used to cook fried chicken.
"Fried chicken," Best says, "can be inflammatory because it is often prepared with high amounts of unhealthy fats and processed ingredients." One of the most damaging ingredients is the oil used for frying. "When chicken is deep-fried in oil, it absorbs the oil and the heat can cause harmful compounds to form, such as advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and acrylamide," she warns. Best adds that these compounds have been linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. And, on a much smaller scale, it can cause your metabolism to hit a virtual standstill.
"Many fried chicken recipes and fast-food options are coated in flour or bread crumbs, which are often made from refined grains," Best points out. These refined carbohydrates, similar to the ones found in pasta, have been stripped of almost all of their fiber and nutrients. So, they provide almost no nutritional value but are loaded with calories. This is what the dieting world calls "empty calories." Best notes that refined carbs can also cause rapid spikes in your blood sugar level. "This can contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance, which are risk factors for chronic diseases," she says. Instead of fried chicken, try whipping up some chicken stir-fry or even try popping them in the air fryer!
