6 Worst High-Calorie Condiments You Should Eliminate ASAP Because They’re Ruining Your Metabolism, According to Nutritionists: Mayonnaise and More

Condiments are essential for adding flavor to our meals, but not all of them are good for you. High-calorie options like mayonnaise, creamy salad dressings, and sweet sauces can contain extra calories and unhealthy fats. Eating too much can disrupt your metabolism, leading to weight gain and other health problems. Knowing which condiments to avoid can help you make better choices and control your metabolism.

We contacted Elaine Chiquette, Pharm.D., scientific director of Gelesis; dietitian Melissa Mitri, RD, MS; dietitian Catherine Gervacio; and dietitian Krutika Nanavati to learn about six condiments to avoid for your metabolism. They revealed that mayonnaise, ketchup, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, soy sauce, And nacho cheese sauce are the ones that should be avoided.

1. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is mainly made from oil, egg yolks, vinegar or lemon juice. The oil used is often high in unhealthy fats, especially saturated fats. Consuming too much saturated fat can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of metabolic problems.

“High-fat, high-calorie condiments, like mayonnaise-based salad dressing or aioli or tartar sauce, can contain up to 100 calories per tablespoon,” warns Chiquette.

2. Ketchup

Ketchup is loaded with added sugars. A single tablespoon can contain about 4 grams of sugar, often in the form of high fructose corn syrup. Regularly eating foods high in sugar can cause blood sugar spikes, causing your body to produce more insulin. Over time, this can contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, which can slow down your metabolism.

Nanavati warns: “Ketchup is often loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars, which elevate blood sugar levels and promote inflammatory responses. »

3. Barbecue Sauce

Many commercial barbecue sauces contain additives, preservatives and artificial flavors to enhance taste and extend shelf life. These additives can disrupt gut health by affecting the balance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract, which is crucial for a healthy metabolism.

Barbecue sauce is often used liberally as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce, making it easy to consume more than you might think. These hidden calories can add up quickly, leading to an overall increase in daily calorie intake and potential weight gain.

Nanavati warns: “Many barbecue sauces contain high levels of sugar and preservatives, which can trigger inflammation and contribute to unwanted weight gain. »

4. Ranch dressing

Ranch dressing offers minimal nutritional benefits. It’s low in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber, which means you’re consuming a lot of calories without significant nutritional value. This can lead to poor eating habits and weight gain, both of which can negatively impact metabolism.

“A 2-tablespoon serving contains about 129 calories, 12 grams of total fat, and almost 3 grams of saturated fat,” Mitri warns.

5. I am Willow

Some soy sauces, especially “sweet” or “teriyaki” sauces, contain added sugars. These hidden sugars can cause your blood sugar to spike, causing your body to produce more insulin and store more fat. Over time, this can disrupt your insulin levels and lead to metabolic problems.

Nanavati points out its sodium content, warning: “Soy sauce is high in sodium, which can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure, indirectly affecting inflammation and leading to weight gain.”

6. Nacho Cheese Sauce

Nacho cheese sauce tends to contain a lot of less healthy fats, like saturated and trans fats. These fats can cause some inflammation in your body, which could disrupt your metabolism a bit and contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues – something to keep in mind the next time you dip those chips!

“Processed cheese sauce often contains a high amount of additives, sodium and saturated fat. These substances cause inflammation and potential health risks,” warns Gervacio. She also specifically advises against high sodium content, which can cause many problems. “Sodium can cause fluid retention, especially when taken in excess. This, in turn, can lead to swelling and contribute to inflammatory responses.”