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6 Habits that Slow Down Your Metabolism

The metabolism is the process wherein your body converts food into energy. However, due to numerous factors, your metabolism may slow down, leading to weight gain. Aside from your age and gender, your daily routine may also affect your body’s calorie-burning process. To give you a better idea, here are some common habits that slow down your metabolism.

1. YOU’RE NOT EATING ENOUGH

When trying to lose weight, some of you may limit your food intake to a point where you’re not consuming enough calories for the day. However, this method is counterproductive. Remember, your body thinks that there’s a scarcity of food when your calorie intake is too low – lowering the number of calories you burn. Thus, the best strategy is to eat a lot of low-calorie nutritious foods that will allow your body to perform efficiently. That way, you can decrease your calorie consumption without compromising your health.

2. YOUR PROTEIN INTAKE IS LOW

One of the most common habits that slows down your metabolism is not consuming enough protein. This is especially true for vegan beginners that are still learning the best plant sources of protein and meat alternatives. Keep in mind that proteins are necessary for the various biological process, including your metabolism. Basically, enzymes are essential for your metabolism to occur and enzymes are composed of proteins. So, try to include protein-rich foods, like seeds and beans, in your every meal to ensure that you’re getting enough of this macronutrient.

3. YOU’RE NOT DRINKING ENOUGH FLUIDS

Our bodies are mostly composed of water. Because of this, your body will function effectively when you’re well-hydrated. In fact, you won’t have enough energy to perform your daily activities and burn calories if you’re dehydrated. Thus, as much as possible, drink plenty of water and eat hydrating foods, like watermelon and cucumbers. You can also drink coffee or green tea in moderate amounts to help boost your metabolism. However, these two beverages have caffeine that can stimulate urination. So, don’t forget to consume more water if you like sipping a warm cup of coffee or tea.

4. YOU HAVE A SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE

Most of us have a busy schedule, but this doesn’t mean that we have an active lifestyle. Unfortunately, a lot of people have desk jobs where sitting for long periods is a norm, eventually leading to various health problems, such as a low metabolic rate. In fact, sitting all day is one of today’s most common habits that slow down your metabolism. Remember, when you’re immobile, your body starts to burn fewer calories. Nonetheless, there are numerous ways to combat this problem. Regular exercise can help improve your metabolism. You can also stand up, stretch, and walk around your office every one or two hours to prevent the negative effects of sitting all day.

5. YOU ONLY DO CARDIO WORKOUTS

As mentioned, regular exercise can help prevent a slow metabolism. But, only doing cardio workouts may also lower your metabolic rate, especially if you’re losing lean muscle mass. Remember, muscles need more calories, increasing your metabolism even at rest. So, women should not be afraid to carry heavy objects. Strength training, like weightlifting, can offer numerous benefits not only for your metabolism but for your overall appearance as well. When designing a workout routine, experts recommend combining cardio and strength training exercises for optimum results.

6. YOU’RE NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP

The last in this list of habits that slow down your metabolism is not getting enough sleep. Some of you may set aside a good night’s rest to finish your tasks. However, feeling sluggish the following day is not the only negative of sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep can also cause hormone imbalance, which may result in a slow metabolism and weight gain. So, as much as possible, adults should get about seven to nine hours of slumber every night.

Avoiding these common habits that may negatively affect your metabolism is crucial if you’re aiming to lose weight or maintain a slim yet healthy physique. Consuming metabolism-boosting foods, like berries and grapefruit, can also help you achieve your goals.

 

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