In today’s fast-paced world, the battle against sluggish metabolism is real for many individuals striving to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. One significant culprit contributing to this struggle is the excessive consumption of sugary foods and beverages. While indulging in sweets might provide a temporary energy surge, the aftermath often leaves our metabolism in disarray, leading to energy crashes and weight gain over time.
We spoke with Catherine Gervacio, registered dietitian and nutrition writer for Living.Fit, to learn about three sugary foods to ditch and three healthier ones to replace it with if you want to amp up your metabolism. She revealed that cereal, sugary desserts, and flavored yogurts are the ones to minimize. Read on to learn about their more nutritious alternatives.
Cereal
Cereal, often marketed as a quick and convenient breakfast option, can be laden with sugar and refined carbohydrates, leading to spikes in blood sugar levels and ultimately crashes. These fluctuations can disrupt metabolic function and contribute to weight gain over time.
"Starting your day with sugary cereals may cause a rapid spike and subsequent crash in blood sugar levels, affecting metabolism," says Gervacio.
Instead, she suggests to "replace these cereals by eating foods rich in protein and healthy fats. There are many options like scrambled eggs with avocado, spinach, or Greek yogurt topped with nuts and seeds. These protein-rich breakfasts can help stabilize blood sugar levels, promote feelings of fullness, and support a healthy metabolism throughout the day."
Sugary Desserts
Indulging in sugary desserts can wreak havoc on metabolism, as these treats often contain high levels of refined sugars and unhealthy fats. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can lead to insulin resistance, impairing the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively and ultimately slowing down metabolism.
Gervacio says to "Avoid sugary desserts and go for homemade fruit sorbet. Instead of eating sugary desserts like cakes and cookies, try making your own fruit sorbet by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup."
These healthier options are simple to make as she notes to "simply blend frozen fruits such as berries, mangoes, or bananas with a splash of citrus juice until smooth and creamy. Fruit sorbets have a refreshing and naturally sweet alternative to traditional desserts, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support metabolic health while satisfying your sweet tooth."
Flavored Yogurt
Flavored yogurt can harbor hidden sugars and artificial additives that hinder metabolic health. While it may seem like a healthy choice, these added sugars can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and subsequent energy crashes, sabotaging metabolism over time.
Greek yogurt is an excellent healthier choice as it is packed with protein and keeps you feeling full compared to sugar-laden yogurts.
"Opt for plain Greek yogurt and add your own natural sweetness with fresh fruits like berries, sliced peaches, or mango chunks - rather than choosing flavored yogurt varieties packed with added sugars, Greek yogurt is higher in protein and lower in sugar compared to flavored yogurts, making it a healthier choice for supporting metabolism and satiety. Also, the fiber from the fruit helps slow down the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream, promoting more stable energy levels," Gervacio highlights.
