3 Breakfast Foods That Practically Guarantee Inflammation And Weight Gain Because They Disrupt Your Metabolism, Dietitians Warn: Energy Bars & More

1. Energy Bars

When you're in a rush, an easy-to-grab energy bar is often seen as a great on-the-go snack. These bars are also typically marketed as healthy options. However, they're usually highly processed and loaded with sugar and other additives.

"Numerous energy bars available in the market are laden with excessive sugar and calories, bearing a striking resemblance to candy bars in terms of their nutritional composition," Nanavati warns. As we've already noted, consuming too much sugar is one way to set yourself up for higher levels of inflammation and a less efficient metabolism.

But there is one solution: make your own energy bars with whole foods! "Making energy bars at home allows for control over the ingredients used, ensuring a lower sugar content and a higher proportion of wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits," Nanavati says.  Got it!

2. Fruit Juice

When you think of unhealthy, sugar-loaded beverages, obvious options like soda and energy drinks may pop into your head. But did you know that bottled fruit juice is also one of the worst choices out there? Although nutritious whole fruit is a great, healthy breakfast ingredient, store-bought juice is another story.

"While fruit juices may seem healthier than sugary soft drinks, they can have comparable sugar and calorie content," Nanavati warns. "Moreover, the lack of fiber in these beverages leads to quick sugar absorption, potentially causing blood sugar fluctuations and increased hunger." Yikes! All that sugar can lead to an array of health issues, including inflammation and a slower metabolism.

3. Sugary Granola

Granola is one common ingredient added to otherwise healthy yogurt parfaits. in fact, since it's made with many healthy ingredients like nuts and oats, it's often viewed as a nutritious choice for breakfast. The ruth is, though, that many types of granola you'll find at the store are actually quite bad for you.

"Granola is typically loaded with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and calories," Feder says. "The high amount of sugar and fats can cause inflammation throughout the GI tract and body. This can lead to a slower metabolism as well." Say it ain't so!

But that doesn't mean all granola is a definite no-go. "I recommend looking for granola that does not have a lot or any added sugars and have a simple ingredient list," Feder says. "You can also opt for making your own homemade granola so you can control what goes into it." Great idea.