This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
Pantry foods are great for a number of situations: the end of the world, a global pandemic, and lazy, last minute dinners. But while certain pantry items can provide you with valuable nutrients needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle and even lose weight, there are some foods you could be stocking your shelves with that may actually make things a lot more difficult. If you’ve been feeling stalled in your weight loss and are hunting down the culprit, health experts say it could be time to turn your eye to this one pantry staple that isn’t as healthy as you may have thought.
Especially in the winter months it may make for a convenient and delicious meal, but nutritionists warn that canned soups could be impeding your weight loss success. Although many variations do contain a selection of vegetables and even protein, any health benefit is largely outweighed by the massive sodium content that they provide. “Foods that are high in sodium are incredibly addictive and so they lead to overeating which will put you at risk of obesity among other health-related problems,” says Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy. “A high sodium diet also causes fluid retention which will bloat your stomach and can lead to edema. Dietary salt is one of the major causes of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.
Not only are canned soups high in sodium which can cause you to hold onto water weight and increase your chances of weight gain, but they are also highly processed which is notoriously counteractive to a healthy lifestyle. “Canned soups tend to contain highly processed ingredients, such as noodles that contain gluten. When combined with other highly inflammatory ingredients, such as preservatives, excess sodium, refined sugar, and other stabilizers, this can contribute to weight gain,” explains InstantPot Life Nutritionist Heather Hanks.
Although canned soups are undeniably convenient, you would be much better served cooking your own recipe from scratch in order to improve your chances of weight loss. While it may take more time, you’ll know every ingredient that goes into your meal, leaving no holes for a sodium overload or processed carbs. Plus, one batch of soup typically makes enough for several meals, so freeze the excess to heat up on a day where you’re feeling particularly lazy!
Eating for weight loss doesn’t have to be difficult, and while your favorite canned soups may not be the best addition to your diet, you can still enjoy the same flavor without sacrificing your healthy lifestyle. Canned soups are packed with preservatives and sodium, lacking in a significant serving of vegetables that is vital for continued weight loss, so cook up your own soup to enjoy the same taste without working against your diet. Healthy eating isn’t always the easiest option, but if you’re serious about reaching your goals canned soups should not be the dinner you lean on for the best results.
