11 Foods That Will Seriously Damage Your Metabolism

There’s no doubt about it: figuring out how to lose belly fat is hard. If you’re hitting the gym, eating right, and getting those Zzz’s what else could you possibly do to reach those weight-loss goals? One answer: ditch these metabolism-damaging foods.

Metabolism, a naturally-occurring biochemical process whereby your body converts food and drinks into energy, is a key factor when it comes to achieving that number on the scale. The more efficient your body is at burning calories and transforming them into energy, the less likely you’ll put on extra pounds in the first place. But when this natural ability isn’t working in its most effective state, your body isn’t able to shred as much fat as you’d like. And one of the reasons why this slowdown happens is because you’re consuming these metabolism-wrecking foods. With each bite of these choices, you move the weight-loss finish line that much farther away.

Avoid these calorie bombs and replace them with the 55 Best-Ever Ways to Boost Your Metabolism.