Processed desserts might satisfy your sweet tooth, but they can wreak havoc on your metabolism and weight. Packed with refined sugars and unhealthy fats, these treats can slow down your metabolism, making it harder for your body to burn calories efficiently. Additionally, the high calorie content and low nutritional value of processed desserts can lead to weight gain.
We checked in with Dr. Krutika Nanavati, a registered nutritionist and dietician, to learn about nine heavily processed desserts and sweet treats that can slow down your metabolism and lead to weight gain over 40. According to her, some of the worst choices include ice cream, candy bars, sugary cereals, pies & cakes, and more. Read on to find out all nine.
1. Cookies and Pastries
Cookies and pastries might be your go-to treat, but they can be real troublemakers for your metabolism and waistline, especially as you get older. These desserts are packed with sugar and unhealthy fats, causing your blood sugar levels to spike and then crash. This constant up-and-down can leave you feeling hungrier and craving more sweets, which can mess with your metabolism.
"These are high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, offering minimal nutrients and hindering weight management efforts," says Nanavati.
2. Pies and Cakes
These desserts are loaded with refined sugars. For instance, a slice of chocolate cake or apple pie can have upwards of 20 grams of sugar. This high sugar content causes rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to an increase in insulin production.
"Similar to cookies and pastries, these are occasional treats best enjoyed sparingly due to their high sugar and fat content," she reveals.
3. Ice Cream
Ice cream is high in saturated fats, which can negatively affect your metabolism. Saturated fats can lead to increased levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and contribute to the accumulation of visceral fat, which is particularly harmful to metabolic health.
"While a summer favorite, ice cream is often loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. Opt for low-fat frozen yogurt or homemade frozen fruit pops for a healthier alternative," she shares.
4. Flavored Yogurts
These yogurts frequently contain high amounts of added sugars and artificial ingredients. This sugar overload can lead to increased cravings and overeating, disrupting your metabolism and making it harder for your body to shed excess weight.
"While yogurt can be healthy, flavored varieties are often packed with sugar and lack protein for satiety," Nanavati notes.
5. Candy Bars
Many candy bars contain unhealthy fats, such as trans fats and saturated fats, which can slow your metabolism. These fats can contribute to increased cholesterol levels and fat accumulation, particularly around the abdominal area.
"A sugary indulgence with minimal nutritional value, candy bars contribute to weight gain and offer no satiety," she says.
6. Granola Bars
Granola bars, despite their healthy image, can actually contribute to a slow metabolism and weight gain, especially for those over 40. Many granola bars are packed with added sugars and refined carbohydrates. As you age, your metabolism naturally slows down, and consuming high-sugar, low-fiber foods like many granola bars can exacerbate this issue, leading to weight gain.
"Many granola bars are more like candy bars in disguise. Look out for high sugar content and choose options with whole grains, nuts, and minimal added sugar," Nanavati says.
7. Sugary Cereals
These cereals are often high in refined sugars and low in essential nutrients, leading to rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. This can cause increased cravings and overeating, disrupting your metabolism and making it harder for your body to efficiently burn calories.
"Often loaded with refined carbohydrates and added sugars, these can spike blood sugar and lead to crashes, increasing cravings later," she says.
8. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks typically lack essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Without these, they don’t provide lasting energy or satiety, which can lead to increased cravings and overeating.
Nanavati notes, "These sugary beverages provide a quick burst of energy followed by a crash, leaving you hungrier and potentially leading to overeating."
9. Sports Drinks
Many sports drinks contain artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners can alter gut bacteria and metabolic processes, potentially leading to weight gain and disruptions in metabolic health.
"Unless you're engaged in intense exercise, sports drinks are unnecessary and high in sugar. Water is the best choice for hydration," she states.
