Bad Habits that Kill Your Metabolism
Having trouble losing weight, despite all the efforts, is common amongst most. When you workout right and eat moderately, yet the weighing scale stays stubborn is a result of slow metabolism.
Our body consists of sneaky metabolism killers – They hide in our body causing the calories to lose direction. These calories build up, stay, turn into fat and make you gain weight.
A metabolic slow down is caused by various activities we perform normally during the day. Let’s get to know the bad habits that cause them to appear in the first place.
1. Skipping Breakfast:
The best way to fire up a slow metabolism is to have a nutrient-packed breakfast every morning. The more your tummy feels full in the morning the less likely it is to store energy from other meals throughout the day helping you burn more calories. Breakfast under 300 calories is the optimal way to start your day.
2. Zero activity:
An entire day spent in your office chair to your car to your couch and then the bed can lead to a very sedentary routine. Sitting for extended periods puts your body into energy-saving mode, which makes your metabolism suffer. Having little activity by taking your desk job to the next level is essential to kick your metabolism to work its magic.
3. Not enough protein:
Protein is a macronutrient that is essential for muscle recovery. The most convenient way to get your protein in is through a protein shake post-workout. Protein helps in lean muscle growth as well as improves strength giving your metabolism the push it needs.
4. Not drinking enough water:
Water is an essential part of the body and is involved with almost every biological function in the body. Staying dehydrated for long hours can cause your calorie-burning machines (muscles) to slow down dramatically. However, drinking only 500 milliliters of water increases the metabolic rate by 30%, and that spike lasts for more than an hour. So, drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated, and you’ll get the added benefit of a boosted metabolism.
5. Stressing out
An increase in stress levels releases a hormone called cortisol. This hormone increases your appetite, cravings for comfort foods, decreased desire to exercise, and reduced sleep quality — all things that negatively impact metabolism. So, while you can’t always control your stress levels, opting for some stress busters can go a long way towards protecting your body.
6. Eating refined carbs
Who doesn’t like carbs, but carbs have their way of holding onto your metabolism rate. Regular consumption of refined carbs like white bread, pastries, or sodas can slow down your metabolism. Carbs tend to turn into blood sugar. Essentially blood sugar is used for energy, however, the problem lies in the amount of blood sugar.
Blood Sugar > Activity = Calories turned into Fat
It is always better to opt for healthier carbs that are low in calories yet high in fiber, flowing the right amount of blood sugar through your veins.
Now that you know your hidden enemies, make sure to avoid them, winning over self-control and health through a new perspective.