Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day, providing the energy and nutrients needed to start the day right. However, not all breakfast foods are created equal. Some options, particularly those high in refined sugars and processed carbohydrates, can cause a slow metabolism. These foods can lead to spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling sluggish and less energized.
We spoke with Emily Johnson, RD, nutritionist from Juicereport; Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet; Krutika Nanavati, registered dietitian and nutritionist; Jesse Feder, dietitian and CPT; and Shana Abraham, NASM-certified personal trainer and Precision Nutrition-certified nutrition coach, to learn about the six morning meals to avoid when it comes to your metabolism. They revealed that some of the culprits are granola, cereal, and pancakes with syrup. Read on to discover all six!
1. Sugary Cereals
Eliminating sugary cereals from your breakfast routine can be a significant step towards boosting metabolism and promoting overall health. Many commercial cereals are loaded with added sugars, providing a quick energy spike followed by a crash that can leave you feeling fatigued.
"These sugary cereals tend to have a lot of added sugars and refined carbs which spikes blood sugar and insulin levels resulting in a slower metabolism, and increases fat storage in the belly," says Johnson.
2. Flavored Yogurt
Many commercially flavored yogurts are laden with added sugars, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to weight gain and negatively impact metabolic health. Excessive sugar intake may lead to insulin resistance, hindering the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.
"Excessive sugar consumption, even in the morning, can lead to insulin spikes, promoting fat storage and potentially impairing metabolic function over time," Richards warns. "Moreover, some flavored yogurts may lack the fiber necessary for sustained energy, causing a rapid rise and fall in blood sugar levels, which can affect metabolism negatively."
3. Sugary granola
Granola may seem like a healthy choice when breakfast or snack time rolls around. After all, it typically contains healthy ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and sometimes even dried fruit. But the issue lies in the sneaky sugar content of most store-bought granolas, which could harm your metabolic health over time.
"Granola is typically loaded with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and calories," Feder says. "The high amount of sugar and fats can cause inflammation throughout the GI tract and body. This can lead to a slower metabolism as well." Yikes!
Luckily, there are healthy options out there—you just have to keep your eye out for them and pay attention to nutrition labels. "I recommend looking for granola that does not have a lot or any added sugars and have a simple ingredient list," Feder says. "You can also opt for making your own homemade granola so you can control what goes into it."
4. Pastries, Donuts, And Baked Goods
Pastries, donuts, and other baked breakfast goods are often tempting with their sweet allure, but they are frequently laden with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and empty calories. By cutting out pastries and baked goods from the daily routine, individuals can reduce their intake of added sugars and unhealthy fats, helping to create a caloric deficit essential for weight loss.
"Pastries and sweetened baked goods are often loaded with refined sugars and unhealthy fats. Skipping these can reduce overall calorie intake and improve metabolic health, contributing to weight loss," Abraham notes.
5. Pancakes With Syrup
This classic combination is typically high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. These spikes trigger the release of insulin, which can lead to decreased insulin sensitivity over time, potentially slowing down metabolism. Additionally, the lack of protein and fiber in traditional pancakes with syrup fails to provide sustained energy or feelings of fullness.
"Made from refined flour and topped with sugary syrup, they provide a double hit of simple carbohydrates, spiking glucose levels and calories," she notes.
Consuming foods rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates results in rapid absorption, causing abrupt increases in both blood sugar and insulin levels.
"Over time, frequent glucose spikes can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where more insulin is needed to get sugar out of the bloodstream into cells, making weight gain more likely. The quick digestion of these foods means hunger returns sooner, increasing the likelihood of consuming more calories throughout the day," Nanavati highlights.
6. High-Calorie Coffee Drinks
High-calorie coffee drinks, such as sugary lattes and flavored concoctions, can unwittingly contribute to weight gain and a slow metabolism due to their excessive calories and added sugars. While coffee itself is a low-calorie beverage, the extras like syrups, whipped cream, and sugary flavorings can quickly turn a seemingly innocuous drink into a calorie-laden treat. Regular consumption of these high-calorie coffee beverages may lead to an increase in daily calorie intake and hinder weight loss efforts.
Abraham says that "coffee drinks with excessive sugars, syrups, and whipped cream contribute empty calories. Choosing black coffee or adding a splash of unsweetened milk can keep your morning beverage low in calories and support weight loss."
