Nutritionists Agree: This One Breakfast Popular Food Is Ruining Your Metabolism

Sugary pastries and weight gain

Pastries are certainly delicious. Whether you choose donuts, Danishes, muffins, or anything else under the sun, these sweet treats can be a tasty way to start the day—but unfortunately, they're one of the worst things you can put into your body if you're trying to maintain a fast metabolism and shed pounds.

There are several reasons pastries can take a toll on your health. Overall, they're packed with harmful ingredients and additives that your body doesn't like as much as your taste buds do. "They are made with refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and oils, all of which can spike blood sugar," Richards warns.

All of that sugar is one of the biggest issues. It's no secret that an excessive sugar intake can lead to a range of health issues, and weight gain is one of the most prominent risks. Richards explains that the blood sugar spikes you're likely to experience after eating a sugary pastry for breakfast "will trigger an insulin release and if high over time can lead to insulin resistance and weight gain."

All of the added oils pose a risk, as well. These are unhealthy fats that are major culprits of weight gain. "The added oils make them high in calories as well and low in nutrients, which leads to an over consumption of calories and ultimately weight gain," Richards explains.

And how does all of this effect your metabolism? Well, since pastries are highly processed, they contain little to no nutrients, which means that they take little energy for your body to process, which could negatively impact your metabolic rate on a long-term basis and cause you to overeat on a short-term basis. "The rapid nature of the digestion of pastries leaves the individual hungry shortly after and ultimately eating again soon after," Richards tells us.

In general, processed foods are never a good choice for your health—especially first thing in the morning, and especially if you're trying to slim down. Next time you're craving something sweet for breakfast, try going with a healthier option like a weight loss-friendly smoothie or a fruit-filled yogurt bowl. Your body will thank you!