If you're working hard to lose weight or simply want your metabolism firing on all cylinders, there are a few common foods you might want to avoid.
Focus Online warns that certain foods can sneakily slow down your body's ability to burn fat and keep your energy levels up.
Here are the top 5 metabolism-slowing offenders to watch out for:
Soybeans
While packed with protein, too much soy can mess with your thyroid and drag your metabolism down.
White Flour Products
Think pasta, white bread, and pastries—these empty carbs lack nutrients and push your body into energy-saving mode.
Alcohol
Not only does alcohol inhibit fat burning, but it also throws a wrench in digestion, making you feel sluggish.
Refined Sugar
Sugary snacks and desserts cause quick blood sugar spikes, followed by crashes, leaving you hungry and slowing down your metabolism.
Soft Drinks
Sodas are loaded with sugar, triggering cravings and leaving your metabolism struggling to keep up.
Want to fire up your metabolism instead?
Kickstart your day with grapefruit juice or a glass of lemon water, sip on green tea, and aim for at least two liters of water daily.
Add metabolism-boosting spices like chili, cinnamon, and ginger to your meals, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
Swap cardio for strength training to keep your fat-burning engine running strong.
