The role of snacks in our pursuit of a healthy lifestyle cannot be underestimated. Snacks can be a valuable part of a balanced diet, helping to curb hunger between meals and providing essential nutrients. However, our choices when it comes to snacking can significantly affect our metabolism, supporting or hindering our overall health goals. Regular, balanced meals can help keep your metabolism stable, but making the wrong food choices can upset this delicate balance.
We spoke with Jesse Feder, RDN, CPT, to learn about the seemingly healthy foods that can negatively impact your metabolism if you're not careful. Feder says that muesli is a food that may seem harmless, but it can also have a downside if we don't choose it carefully.
Muesli
Granola, often thought of as a health food, can interfere with metabolism if not chosen wisely. Although granola contains healthy ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds that contain fiber and healthy fats, many store-bought varieties contain added sugar and extra calories. Eating large amounts of sugary granola can cause blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes, which over time can shut down your metabolism and contribute to weight gain.
“Store-bought granola is high in sugar. This can cause inflammation throughout the body and gut, which can negatively affect your metabolism. This is why I usually recommend making your own granola at home with little or no added sugar. Add sugar. If it is possible. The alternative is not to do it," says Feder.
that's it
After all, maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves making informed choices, even when it comes to seemingly harmless foods. Snacks can actually be a valuable part of a balanced diet, helping to satisfy hunger and provide essential nutrients.
Many commercial brands of granola contain added sugar and extra calories that can cause high blood sugar, inflammation, and long-term metabolic problems. To protect our metabolism, choosing homemade granola without added sugar or finding sugar-free alternatives is a smart choice on our way to optimal health.