4 Condiments You Should Stop Eating ASAP Because They Ruin Your Metabolism, According To Nutritionists

This post has been updated since it was originally published on 02/28/2022

Weight loss can feel like an elusive process; it’s easy to get discouraged. It can be overwhelming with how many pills, programs, and diets are on the market that promise results, and you may be unsure of where to start. Oftentimes we overthink the weight loss process and get so caught up in seeing quick results, but the key to steady, lasting weight loss is simpler than you may think. To lose weight, you have to be in a calorie deficit, or burn more calories daily than you’re taking in. You burn calories through obvious things like exercising, but most of your calories spent come from simply living—every day tasks like walking, breathing, and the functioning of your organs all contribute to your daily calorie expenditure. One thing that can affect your ability to lose weight is your metabolism, which directs the body’s process of burning calories. Supporting your health, specifically your metabolic health, will set you up for success if you are embarking on a weight loss journey. 

But how exactly do your metabolism and weight loss connect? “Your unique metabolism directs how many calories are burned by your body each day.  Many factors influence your metabolism.  It tends to decrease with age, inactivity, loss of muscle mass and hormonal imbalances (hypothyroidism, postmenopause),” says . Another thing that can negatively impact your metabolism’s ability to function is restrictive dieting. “A rapid dramatic weight loss due to severe caloric restrictions has been associated with a slower metabolism where the body tries to compensate and conserve as much energy as possible in the context of drastic reduction in food.  A gradual weight loss (1lb per week) is more likely to keep the metabolic rate intact and less weight regain.” Additionally, regular physical exercise, including resistance training, can boost your metabolism’s function.

Your diet also plays a role in your metabolic health. When it comes to weight loss, one thing we often don’t take into account are the things outside of food that are high in calories. Condiments and dressings are especially tricky and can throw off your calorie deficit. “Condiments can be sneaky sources of calories that can add up if you are not mindful of serving size,” says. Elaine Chiquette, Pharm.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Gelesis, the maker of Plenity. To learn more about the worst condiments that can impact your metabolic health and hinder your weight loss progress, we asked Chiquette and Dietitian Melissa Mitri RD, MS. They told us mayonnaise, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing are some of the biggest culprits.