Losing weight can always be a challenge, but it becomes especially difficult as you age and are faced with a slower metabolism. Luckily, though, there are a few steps you can take in order to keep your metabolism as fast as possible. In addition to adding nutritious foods to your diet, it’s also important to be weary of certain inflammatory options that could be holding you back from your weight loss goals.
To discover a few of the worst types of foods (and beverages) you should consider cutting out in order to reduce inflammation and boost metabolism, we spoke to Jesse Feder, RDN, CPT. He told us that fried foods, ultra-processed snacks, and sugary beverages should be avoided as much as possible. Learn more about the risks of each below.
1. Fried foods
Fried foods like chicken wings and mozzarella sticks may please your taste buds, but unfortunately, Feder says they're one of the worst options out there if you want to stay healthy over 50 and keep your metabolism running smoothly.
"Fried foods are cooked using oils that are high in unhealthy fats, typically saturated fat," he says, explaining that saturated fats can not only increase your LDL (bad cholesterol), but may also result in weight gain due to their high calorie content. "The increases in LDL can increase your risk of heart disease and cause inflammation throughout your body. This will lead to a decrease in your metabolism as well," he warns. Noted!
2. Ultra-processed snacks
If you're feeling peckish between meals, you may find yourself reaching for processed snacks like potato chips and cheese puffs. It probably doesn't come as a surprise, though, to hear that Feder says you're better off avoiding these foods while you're trying to lose weight. "Ultra-processed foods use preservatives and chemicals that are known to cause widespread inflammation and potentially even cancer and other health conditions," he warns.
Feder points out that these foods are also high in sodium, "which can increase your blood pressure and cause inflammation throughout your cardiovascular system/body." On top of all this, they're also packed with unhealthy fats, "which can lead to weight gain and a dramatic decrease in your metabolism." Say it ain't so! Guess we'll leave the Doritos on the shelf next time we're doing a grocery run...
3. Sugary beverages
While it may not be a food, per se, it's important to note that sugary beverages can take a serious toll on your metabolism. In fact, they're one of the worst things you can put into your body if you want to avoid inflammation and weight gain.
"Sugar sweetened beverages are typically low in nutritional value and very high in processed sugar as well as calories," Feder warns. "The high amount of sugar and calories can lead to weight gain and negatively affect your gut. This can cause widespread inflammation and contribute to inflammatory diseases/conditions." Yikes!
Instead, you're better off going with anti-inflammatory beverages such as green tea—or just sticking to good old water!
