Metabolism is the chemical process that takes place in your body to keep you alive and functioning. It determines how much energy you burn throughout the day, and therefore, how many calories you need to consume to maintain your weight.

A slow metabolism can make it challenging to lose weight and keep it off. While there are several factors that can slow down your metabolism, your diet plays a significant role. Certain food combinations can hinder your metabolism, whereas others can give it a boost.

In this article, we will discuss the three food combos that can slow down your metabolism.

1. High-Fat and High-Carb Foods

A combination of high-fat and high-carb foods can be a recipe for weight gain and slow metabolism. When you consume both fat and carbs in the same meal, your body has to work harder to digest them.

As a result, it can slow down your metabolism, making it difficult to burn off calories. For example, a meal of pizza, which has both a high-fat and high-carb content, can cause your metabolism to slow down and lead to weight gain over time.

Instead, try to consume either high-fat or high-carb foods in a meal, but not both. For instance, if you eat a salad with avocado, which is high in healthy fats, avoid adding bread or croutons, which are high in carbs.

Alternatively, if you are eating carbs, such as pasta, opt for a low-fat sauce, such as tomato-based sauce.

2. Simple Carbohydrates and Added Sugar

Simple carbohydrates are foods that are broken down quickly by the body, resulting in a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Examples include white bread, pasta, candy, and soda.

When you combine them with added sugar, such as in a sweetened beverage, dessert, or sugary sauce, it can be detrimental to your metabolism.

The body’s response to consuming simple carbohydrates and added sugar causes insulin levels to spike. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and helps store excess energy as fat.

High levels of insulin can cause the body to store more fat and lead to weight gain over time. Moreover, consuming added sugar can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes.

Instead, choose complex carbohydrates, which are broken down more slowly by the body, resulting in a steadier release of energy. Examples include whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and legumes.

If you have a sweet tooth, try satisfying it with natural sources of sugar, such as fruit, rather than added sugars.

3. Alcohol and High-Fat Foods

Alcohol can be a sneaky addition to your diet that can slow down your metabolism. When you consume alcohol, your body prioritizes the metabolism of alcohol over other nutrients, such as fat and carbs.

As a result, it can slow down the metabolism of other nutrients and cause your body to store more fat. Furthermore, alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, which can slow down the metabolism as well.

When you combine alcohol with high-fat foods, such as fried food, chips, and dips, it can be problematic for your metabolism. High-fat foods take longer to digest, and when combined with alcohol, they can lead to an even slower metabolism.

Additionally, alcohol can inhibit fat burning, preventing your body from using stored fat for energy.

If you choose to consume alcohol, try to do so in moderation and avoid high-fat foods. Instead, opt for foods that are low in fat and high in protein to balance out the effects of alcohol.

Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help keep your metabolism running smoothly.

Conclusion

Your diet plays a crucial role in your metabolism, and certain food combos can be detrimental to its function.

High-fat and high-carb foods, simple carbohydrates and added sugar, and alcohol and high-fat foods, are three food combinations that can slow down your metabolism and hinder weight loss efforts. By eliminating or reducing these food combos in your diet, you can kick start your metabolism and reach your weight loss goals faster.