All the energy you need to function during your daily routine comes from your metabolism, a process that converts the food you eat into fuel for your body. Some people have slower metabolisms that burn fewer calories, which may cause fatigue and weight gain. Having a super-charged metabolism can create its own problems, including the inability to gain or maintain your weight. A variety of foods can help slow down your metabolism.
Sugar
Including sugar and sugary foods in your diet can decrease your metabolism to a crawl. According to the FitDay website, sugar triggers a rapid increase in your blood glucose levels because it quickly finds its way into your bloodstream. This triggers your body to store extra fat and burn fewer calories. You can find sugar in many refined foods, including ketchup and spaghetti sauce brands that contain high-fructose corn syrup, reveals Healing Daily. Many foods containing sugar contribute very little, if any, nutritional value, so consider high-sugar foods that provide vitamins and minerals. Peanut butter may be a good choice. LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate reports that a 10 g serving of peanut butter contains 3 g of sugar, but it also serves as a rich source of protein, riboflavin and niacin.
French Fries
French fries may not fit into every diet, but if you're trying to slow down your metabolism, they may be a good option. The Wellness Junction website indicates that partially hydrogenated oil, the oil in which many fried foods are cooked, may trigger the body to slow the rate of metabolism. This oil may also raise your cholesterol, however, so offset the problem by eating other healthy foods. The University of Chicago Medical Center notes that potatoes contain a chemical that may slow your body's metabolism of commonly used anesthetic drugs. If you're having surgery, discuss your diet with your physician to make sure your surgical recovery will not be impacted. Potatoes also offer nutrients, even when made into French fries -- LIVESTRONG's MyPlate reports that a 169 g serving of fries contains 33 percent of the daily recommended intake of potassium and serves as a source of vitamin C, calcium, vitamin E and vitamin B6.
Chocolate
Eating more chocolate may help slow your metabolism. In addition to sugar, chocolate contains caffeine. Consuming small amounts of caffeine may increase metabolism in the short run; however, if your sweet tooth makes you eat higher quantities of chocolate, your metabolism could be adversely affected. According to the American Heart Association, consuming caffeine can cause you to become dehydrated; that results in slower metabolism, says the University of Utah Health Care. The Wellness Junction website also reports that chocolate bars are highly processed, which can decrease your metabolic rate.
References
- LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate: Jif Peanut Butter
- FitDay: 4 Foods that Slow Your Metabolism Down
- University of Chicago Medical Center: Potatoes Prolong Anesthetic Action
- American Heart Association: Caffeine
- University of Utah Health Care: Is Eight Enough? U Researcher Says Drink Up and Tells Why
- Healing Daily: Sugar's Effect on Your Health
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