Ah sugar, our taste buds can’t get enough, but our bodies are better without it. While there’s no denying the joy of indulging in a little sweetness once in a while, consuming too much sugar on a regular basis can put your overall health at risk and should be avoided as much as possible if you’re looking to lose weight. and/or maintain a healthy metabolism. And while sugary, processed foods are never a good idea, they can be especially detrimental to your health if you eat them for breakfast, as they typically lack the fuel your body needs to take in throughout the day and will cause spikes in blood sugar. blood later. . In fact, there’s one sugary breakfast that health experts warn you to avoid at all costs: breakfast cereal.
To learn more about the health risks of eating sugary cereals regularly, we spoke to health experts. dana hunnesPhD, dietitian and author of recipe for survival and Varsha Khatri, Nutritional Therapist at enlightened health. They broke down the downsides of this deviously delicious meal, from blood sugar spikes still slow metabolism. Find it all below!
breakfast cereals
Few breakfasts are as quick and convenient (and tasty) as a bowl of cereal. Who could turn down a bowl of sugary goodness that takes seconds to pour? Unfortunately, though, if you’re trying to lose weight (or just keep your overall health in check), kicking your cereal habit may be necessary. Hunnes tells us that “things like Fruit Loops, Cocoa Puffs, and Frosted Flakes” are “made with few (if any) whole grains and have a lot of added sugars,” making them a terrible breakfast choice.
Khati agrees, noting that “cereals are one of the foods with the most sugar.” And if he thinks he’s off the hook by choosing boxes that seem healthier or are labeled low-sugar, he may be wrong. “Even cereals that are supposed to be ‘low sugar’ are high in added sweeteners,” she cautions. Say it ain’t so!
So what are the dangers of eating a high-sugar breakfast like cereal? For one thing, your blood sugar is likely to spike, leading to increased sugar cravings later in the day. Khatri explains this: “When you start your day with something that’s high in sugar or sweetener, you’re more likely to crave sugar or other sweet foods throughout the day, which means you’re more likely to snack alone.” to maintain blood sugar levels.” We all know that processed sugar is not good for your overall health, and especially bad if you want to lose a few pounds.
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In addition to these blood sugar spikes, cravings, and overeating, processed foods like grains also provide your body with very little nutritional value while packing on calories. Since grains offer virtually no fiber or protein, your body “barely burns calories” when digesting them, which can severely affect your metabolism over time. Plus, that lack of satiety will only further exacerbate the problem of cravings and overeating. Overall, it’s a nightmare for anyone trying to lose weight and stay in shape.
If you’re really in a hurry and must opt for a quick cereal, choosing varieties that offer a good amount of whole grains and fiber is always your best bet. In fact, making your own naturally sweetened granola that you can keep on hand for those fast-paced mornings is a great way to stay in control of what’s going on in your body. While it may take a little more initial effort than tossing a box of cereal in your cart at the grocery store, it will be worth it in the end!
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