The Surprising Food Doctors Say You Should Stop Having Because It Slowly Destroy Your Metabolism

keep a healthy diet to lose weight can be difficult if you don’t have all the time you need to cook nutritious meals at home. Unfortunately, the most convenient foods are often the least healthy and the worst for your waistline. But not all metabolism-wrecking foods come with bright red flags; in fact, there are some highly processed options that are often marketed as healthy snacks. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to know which seemingly innocent foods can set back your weight loss goals.

To find out more about one of the worst options out there, we talked to nutritionists heather skeins Y Lisa Richards. They told us all about why you should stay away from sugary, processed granola bars. Find all your information below!

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Granola bars

You may think that grabbing a healthy look granola bar on your way out the door is a great way to pack in a quick, nutrient-dense breakfast when you’re short on time in the morning. However, health experts say you should think again. These bars generally do more harm to your body than they are worth, especially when it comes to your weight.

“Granola bars are the worst ‘healthy’ food for weight loss because they are full of inflammatory ingredients that prevent weight loss, including refined sugars and grains,” Hanks tells us. “Many food manufacturers claim that their granola bars are healthy because they contain oats,” he continues. And while oatmeal is definitely a good source of fiber, the real problem lies with the other ingredients. “The added ingredients in granola bars are what make them so unhealthy,” explains Hanks. The most popular varieties are often packed with added sugars, carbs, and calories, which can wreak havoc on your metabolism, worsen inflammation, and lead to weight gain.

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“Weather [granola bars] can be convenient, can prevent weight loss efforts, among other negative side effects,” agrees Richards, noting that “processed foods are made with refined carbohydrates that are highly inflammatory and wreak havoc on gut health.”

If you’re in a hurry and want a snack that’s equally convenient and nutritious, a granola bar isn’t the way to go. Instead, reach for healthy foods walnuts and fruits that will keep you energized and satiated, without overloading yourself with added sugar and calories.