If you’re trying to lose weight, you know that your metabolism is a key factor in your success. The faster your metabolism, the more calories you can burn, and the easier it is to shed unwanted pounds.
But did you know that there are certain food combinations that can actually work against your metabolism? These combinations can slow down your metabolism, making it more difficult to lose weight. Below are 30 food combinations to avoid.
1. High-Fat Foods and Carbohydrates
When you combine high-fat foods with carbohydrates, your body stores more of the fat as body fat.
This means that if you’re eating a burger with fries, for example, you’re more likely to gain weight than if you just ate the burger or the fries on their own.
2. Refined Carbohydrates and Sugar
Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, and sugar can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This can lead to insulin resistance, which can slow down your metabolism over time.
3. Milk and Sugar
Milk contains lactose, a type of sugar. When you add sugar to milk, you’re essentially doubling down on sugar, which can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
4. Alcohol and Carbohydrates
Alcohol can slow down your metabolism on its own, but when you add carbohydrates to the mix, you can slow it down even more. This is because alcohol can interfere with the metabolism of carbohydrates.
5. High-Fat Foods and Fruit
Fruit is generally considered healthy, but when you combine it with high-fat foods, such as cheese or bacon, the fat can slow down the digestion of the fruit. This can lead to a slower metabolism.
6. High-Fat Foods and Protein
Protein is an important nutrient for weight loss and metabolism, but when you combine it with high-fat foods, the fat can slow down the digestion of the protein. This can lead to a slower metabolism and weight gain.
7. High-Protein Foods and Carbohydrates
Combining high-protein foods, such as chicken or fish, with carbohydrates can slow down your metabolism.
This is because protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, and when you add carbohydrates to the mix, your body has to work harder to digest both.
8. Cheese and Crackers
Cheese and crackers may seem like a nice snack, but the combination of high-fat cheese and refined carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
9. Peanut Butter and Jelly
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich may be a classic lunch, but the combination of high-fat peanut butter and refined carbohydrates in the form of jelly can slow down your metabolism.
10. Pasta and Meatballs
Pasta and meatballs may be a staple in many households, but the combination of refined carbohydrates and high-fat meat can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
11. Bread and Butter
Bread and butter may be a simple snack, but the combination of refined carbohydrates and high-fat butter can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
12. Fried Chicken and Waffles
Fried chicken and waffles may be a popular dish, but the combination of high-fat fried chicken and refined carbohydrates in the form of waffles can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
13. French Fries and Ketchup
French fries and ketchup may be a tasty combination, but the high-fat fries combined with the high-sugar ketchup can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
14. Ice Cream and Cookies
Ice cream and cookies may be a dessert favorite, but the combination of high-fat ice cream and high-sugar cookies can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
15. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese may be a beloved comfort food, but the combination of high-fat cheese and refined carbohydrates in the form of pasta can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
16. Cheese and Bacon
The combination of high-fat cheese and high-fat bacon can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
17. Eggs and Bacon
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, but when combined with high-fat bacon, the fat can slow down the digestion of the protein, leading to a slower metabolism.
18. Pizza and Soda
Pizza and soda may be a favorite meal for many, but the combination of refined carbohydrates in the crust, high-fat cheese and toppings, and high-sugar soda can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
19. Omelet and Toast
An omelet may be a healthy breakfast choice, but when combined with high-fat butter on toast, it can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
20. Cheeseburger and Fries
A cheeseburger and fries may be a classic fast food meal, but the combination of high-fat beef, cheese, and fries can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
21. Steak and Potatoes
Steak and potatoes may be a hearty meal, but the combination of high-fat beef and high-carbohydrate potatoes can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
22. Tacos and Soda
A taco meal combined with a high-sugar soda can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
23. Burger and Soda
A burger and soda combo can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism due to the combination of high-fat beef and high-sugar soda.
24. Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo may be a tasty Italian dish, but the combination of high-fat cream sauce and refined carbohydrates in the form of pasta can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
25. Steak and Fries
Steak and fries may be a classic meal, but the combination of high-fat beef and high-fat fries can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
26. Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad may seem like a healthy choice, but the combination of high-fat dressing, croutons, and cheese can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
27. Fried Rice and Egg Rolls
Chinese food may be a popular takeout choice, but the combination of high-fat fried rice and high-carbohydrate egg rolls can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
28. Fried Fish and Chips
Fried fish and chips may be a classic meal, but the combination of high-fat fish and high-carbohydrate fries can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
29. Cheese Quesadilla
A cheese quesadilla may be a quick and easy meal, but the combination of high-fat cheese and refined carbohydrates in the form of a tortilla can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
30. Popcorn and Candy
A popular movie snack, the combination of high-carbohydrate popcorn and high-sugar candy can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.