Frozen foods, known for their convenience and extended shelf life, have become a staple in many households. While they offer a quick solution for busy schedules, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional impact. Some frozen foods, particularly those high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, can contribute to a slow metabolism.
We spoke with Michelle Saari, RD at EHealth project, to learn about four frozen foods you should stay away from because they can slow down your metabolism. Saari revealed that frozen pizza, ice cream, frozen burritos, and frozen mozzarella sticks are the ones to watch out for when it comes to metabolism.
Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizza, a popular convenience food, may have implications for metabolism when consumed excessively. Many frozen pizza options are high in refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sodium, which, when consumed regularly, can contribute to a slow metabolism.
"Frozen pizzas are a quick dinner but they can impact your metabolism due to their high content of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. The crust can cause blood sugar levels to spike and drop, potentially leading to insulin resistance over time which leads to excess fat storage. The saturated fats from cheese and processed meats can also increase the body's fat storage, making it harder to burn calories," says Saari.
Ice Cream
Though a beloved treat, many commercial ice creams are high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and calories. Regularly indulging in these sugary and calorie-dense treats can contribute to weight gain and potentially lead to insulin resistance, affecting the body's ability to regulate blood sugar and metabolize calories efficiently.
Saari states that "ice cream is notorious for its high added sugar and fat content, both of which can contribute to slowing down your metabolism. The excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, a condition that makes it difficult for your body to use glucose (sugar) efficiently. The fat in ice cream, especially if it includes trans fats, can increase body fat, which is less metabolically active than muscle mass."
Frozen Burritos
Frozen burritos are processed and may contain high levels of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. Refined carbohydrates can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, impacting the body's metabolic processes. The saturated fats in some frozen burritos may contribute to weight gain and metabolic dysfunction when consumed in excess.
"Frozen burritos combine refined carbohydrates and high-fat ingredients, wrapped in a white flour tortilla, can really slow down your metabolism. These ingredients can lead to insulin resistance, increasing body fat storage. Also the high sodium content in frozen burritos can cause water retention, further impacting your body's calorie-burning efficiency," Saari highlights.
Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Frozen mozzarella sticks, a popular snack known for their gooey cheese center and crispy coating, may contribute to a slow metabolism for many reasons. These indulgent treats are often high in unhealthy fats, carbs, and high levels of sodium.
Saari says that this cheesy snack "often contain trans fats, used in oils for frying, which can negatively affect your cholesterol levels and heart health, potentially slowing down your metabolism. The breading, made from refined flour, contributes to the rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance when consumed frequently.”
