If you’re trying to lose excess pounds, the last thing you want is a sluggish metabolism. That’s because it can become harder for you to attain your dream figure the slower your metabolism runs.
Did you know that there are lots of everyday habits that can cause your metabolism to decelerate considerably? If you’re guilty of committing many of those, then you may become really frustrated with the rate you’re shedding off those unwanted pounds — if you’re actually losing anything at all.
So let’s take a look at some of the known metabolism-slowing habits. Each time you come across one, think of ways of turning your back on it and also the perks that come with doing so.
Eating Fatty Foods
It’s no secret that stuffing your face with foods that are laden with fat is bad for your figure. Are you aware that one of the reasons behind such is the consumption of lots of fatty foods can make the metabolism run really slow?
However, do take note that the kind of fat you are consuming is a major factor. Needless to say, foods containing unhealthy fat are usually the ones served at your favorite fast food joint. Make sure that you ditch unhealthy fats and include healthier ones in your everyday diet to get your metabolism running.
Partying All Night
Hanging out with your friends at the bar or club can keep you from having a good night’s sleep. According to fitness pros, it’s something that is terrible for your figure because it causes the metabolism to drop — not to mention that it can leave you feeling hungry as a bear the following day.
If you want your metabolism running smoothly, make sure that you get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. If partying is not your thing and you’re sleep deprived, make sure that you address any cause of your sleeplessness at night.
Being Stressed Constantly
Other than partying, there is another very common reason why some people fail to enjoy a trip to dreamland nightly, and that is stress. So in other words, failure to manage your stress can leave your metabolism sluggish.
There are a couple of other reasons why stress can wreak havoc to your figure. First, it causes an increase in certain hormones that causes your body to really hold on to fat. Second, stress can make you an emotional eater, the kind of person who reaches for food each time he or she needs comfort or happiness.
Crash Dieting
Perhaps you have heard time and again that diets don’t work. Aside from the fact that they are impossible to be carried out for the rest of your life, diets only make your metabolism run slowly — your body attempts to conserve all the calories and fat it has for survival, thinking that you are running out of food to eat.
Instead of opting for fad diets, simply stick to a healthy eating regimen on a daily basis if you want to lose weight. This will help keep your body nourished and your metabolism kicking.
Staying Away From Carbs
There are some people who turn their backs on any food that contains carbohydrates, thinking that the said nutrient is the one that’s keeping them from enjoying slimmer bodies.
However, experts in the fields of nutrition and fitness say that this is a terrible idea because it’s something that can slow down your metabolism, causing weight loss to be elusive and at the same time leaving you lacking in energy. Having no energy can keep you from being physically active, which is essential for weight reduction.
Being Inactive
Speaking of physical activity, not having enough of it is another thing that can make your metabolism run at a snail’s pace. Plopping on the couch rather than being on your feet can certainly keep you from attaining your ultimate goal of eliminating excess pounds.
Just because being physically active can help rev up your metabolism doesn’t necessarily mean that you should get a gym subscription. Riding a bike, washing your car, taking the stairs and cleaning the house can keep you active.
