In our fast-paced lives, pantry snacks have become a convenient and quick solution to curb our hunger between meals. However, as we navigate the labyrinth of snack options, it’s crucial to consider how our choices impact our metabolism. Metabolism, the body’s process of converting food into energy, plays a pivotal role in weight management and overall well-being. Surprisingly, some seemingly innocent snacks lurking in our pantry may contribute to a slowed metabolism.
We spoke with Jesse Feder, RDN, CPT; and Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN, to learn about three surprising pantry snacks that could slow down your metabolism. They revealed that granola, potato chips, and processed meat snacks are the ones to eliminate as much as possible.
Granola
Granola, often perceived as a health-conscious snack or breakfast option, can have a hidden downside when it comes to metabolism. While it's true that granola contains whole grains, nuts, and seeds, making it a good source of fiber and nutrients, it can also be deceptively high in added sugars and calories. Excessive sugar intake has been associated with insulin resistance, a factor linked to a sluggish metabolism.
"The sugar content in store-bought granolas tends to be quite high. This can lead to inflammation throughout the body and gut, which can negatively impact your metabolism. That is why I typically recommend making your own granola at home without added sugars or looking for a no sugar added option when possible," Feder says.
Potato Chips
Potato chips, a ubiquitous and beloved snack, unfortunately, harbor a connection to a slowed metabolism. These crispy delights are often deep-fried and laden with unhealthy trans fats, which have been associated with increased inflammation and insulin resistance. Trans fats not only contribute to weight gain but may also interfere with the body's ability to regulate metabolism efficiently.
Costa says that "potato chips are typically deep-fried, leading to the formation of oxidized fats. Consumption of these fats can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which in turn, may contribute to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and weight gain. [They] have a high glycemic index (GI) of approximately 60 due to their content of rapidly digestible starch, which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which also contributes to weight gain."
Processed Meat Snacks
Many processed meat products, such as sausages, jerky, and certain deli meats, often contain high levels of saturated fats and sodium. Excessive intake of saturated fats can contribute to insulin resistance and inflammation, both of which can negatively impact metabolic function.
Costa elaborates further and says, "Processed meat snacks like beef sticks or jerky are often high in sodium and saturated fats, [they] may be made from low-quality cuts of meat, and may also contain preservatives like nitrates, which have been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases like cancer. In fact, processed meat has been labeled as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Regular consumption of processed meat snacks can contribute to weight gain and inflammation, negatively affecting metabolism and overall health."
