Are You Slowing Down Your Metabolism? Avoid These 7 Mistakes

Ready to hit the brakes on some things in life? We hear you! But hold up, buckle up, because there’s one thing you definitely don’t want to hit the brakes on: your metabolism! It’s time to rev it up and leave sluggishness in the dust.

We’re going to outline 7 things you might be doing in your everyday life that could actually be SABOTAGING your metabolism.

OK … so now for that list!

Number 1. You don’t eat enough

Your body is smart! When you regularly eat less fuel than you burn, your body can make itself even more efficient by lowering how many calories it needs.

This can happen if 1) you exercise a lot and don’t ramp up your food intake to match it; 2) you undereat every day, or 3) go on a lot of diets.

Number 2. You skip meals

Research shows that eating regular meals throughout the day is linked with a greater “thermic effect of food.” That means your body burns more calories digesting those meals.

Plus, eating on a regular schedule helps your body manage its blood sugar levels, which is a biggie when it comes to your health.

Number 3. You don’t lift weights

Strength training helps boost your metabolism in a couple of different ways.

Over the long run, it helps build muscle, and muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue.

But it also has an immediate benefit: it raises your metabolism for hours after your workout is finished.

Number 4. You slack on your sleep

Not getting enough sleep is like a triple whammy on your metabolism.

When you’re tired you’re not as active, which means a lower daily calorie burn
You tend to eat more when you’re sleep-deprived because it messes up your hunger hormones and makes you crave high-calorie foods
Your body has a harder time managing your blood sugar levels when you’re low on sleep, which can make you store fat

Number 5. You sit all day

Not getting up from your chair to move around every half-hour or so is linked with a slower metabolism.

Number 6. You don’t eat enough protein

Not only does protein keep you feeling full after you eat it, but it also helps you build metabolism-boosting muscle.

Plus, digesting it takes more calories than digesting either carbs or fat.

Some guidelines: aim for between .73 and 1 gram of protein for every pound of your weight.

Number 7. You get stressed out a lot

It’s true! Stress can lower your metabolism.

An Ohio State University study found that women burned fewer calories after they ate a high-fat meal when they were stressed.

Just another reason it’s so important to have a plan to regularly blow off stress, like working out, meditating, or relaxing hobbies!

And that’s your list of 7 ways you might be sabotaging your metabolism.

How many of those rang a bell for you?

Don’t let a busy schedule hold you back from your wellness goals! Our For Beginners Only VIP program offers time-efficient workouts and personalized nutrition plans, perfectly tailored for professionals over 40. Start prioritizing your health without compromising your career.

The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll start feeling (and seeing) results. Click the picture below to get started today!

REFERENCES: