Bagels
It’s not that there is anything inherently wrong with enjoying a bagel now and again. But filling up on bagels each morning takes the place of foods that you could be eating that are much more nutrient dense. Your average bagel can contain anywhere between 250 to 800 calories, depending on its size - and that’s before you’ve added jelly, cream cheese, or butter. Keeping processed foods like bagels to a minimum and eating fiber-rich grains instead is much better for your metabolism.
Soda
When you think of the phrase “empty calories,” it’s possible beverages like sugar come to mind. Soda is high in sugar and contains very little more than sugar. It spikes your blood sugar levels and can mess with your metabolism, while taking the place of beverages you could be drinking for better health, like water or green tea.
French fries
If you’re craving French fries, which are high in saturated fat and possibly trans fat, try swapping them for air fried or baked potatoes instead. Deep frying any food in vegetable oil is the quickest way to take it from healthy to unhealthy.
Sugary cereals
Cereals are quick and easy to make, and it’s perfectly understandable why they would be on your list of favorite fast foods. But the majority of cereals are also highly processed and filled with sugar, while shockingly low in nutrients like fiber and B vitamins. Trading cereal for steel-cut or rolled oatmeal is a quick way to gain nutrients and lose sugar.