We all want to eat, eat and keep eating and never grow fat. But sadly, that is not how it works. There are only a few people in the world with a high metabolic rate that automatically blesses them with the superpower of ‘being in shape’ in spite of binging on junk 24*7!
However, most part of the population is convinced of the fact that they have a slow metabolism and they cannot do anything about it. And if you are one of tDid you know these daily-lifestyle mistakes reduce your metabolism? hem, this is one of the biggest mistakes of your entire life. It is your habits, what you eat, how you eat, and majorly your lifestyle that determines your metabolism. Even you can title your metabolism in your favor once you make a few changes in your daily lifestyle. So let me state some of the most common mistakes that reduce your metabolism rate significantly:
. Having too less calories
If you think you need to eat less in order to lose weight, then you are completely mistaken. Of course, you need to eat in a calorie deficit to lose weight, but that does not mean you need to drop down your calorie count less than 1000 calories a day. In fact, carbs with the highest amount of calories are referred to as the energy-giving foods and are majorly required by your body’s metabolism.
Metabolic rate or the number of calories you are burning at rest and even during activity. So when you are eating too few calories, your body senses that food is scarce and in the turn functions at a very slow rate. Thus by any chance, if you are planning to reduce weight by calorie restriction, make sure it’s not too less or for too long.
. Eating too less protein
What you eat is equally important as how much you eat. When the conversation is about metabolism, you need to keep a track of your macros and make sure you are eating sufficient protein. Not only will it keep you full for longer periods but and help you avoid overeating, but also burn more calories.
Here’s how: after eating, during digestion, your food composition matters because of the Thermic Effect of Food. The higher the Thermic effect, the higher the metabolism. The Thermic Effect of Food is different for different macros of food. In the case of protein, it is the highest, higher than that of carbs and fats. Eating protein temporarily increases metabolism by 20-30%, while that of 5-10% in carbs and 0-3% in the case of fats. (Source). So make sure your diet includes best foods for energy to avoid this situation.
. Leading an inactive lifestyle
Most of us end up having are bound with desk jobs, spending the most part of our day sitting at work. Let me tell you long hours of sitting can serve equal harm as smoking.
Of course playing sports, hitting the gym is one thing, which is also significantly appreciated, but what you do apart from that also counts. We are talking about the non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). For instance, try working at a standing desk, take the stairs and skip the lift. If you cannot work while standing, take occasional ‘standing’ breaks. These small differences will combine into a turmoil of positivity to boost metabolism.
. Skipping a good night’s sleep
A good night’s sleep is so underrated that people think that they can stay fit and healthy with a good 4 hours of sleep, which is not at all true. Poor-quality sleep will not only lead to reduced metabolism but also several other medical issues like depression, anxiety. Thus, compromise on everything but sleep.
. Not lifting weights
Or simply, lack of strength training. Once you start lifting weights, you start to gain muscle mass and reduce fat. While resting, muscle mass requires more energy than fat, naturally burning more calories. Thus exercise more often, lift weights and within a time span of six months, you will notice a major difference in your metabolism.
. Drinking sugary drinks
Not only are they detrimental for ailments like diabetes, obesity and insulin resistance, you will also never be able to boost your metabolism if you don’t quit sugary beverages.
Now that you are aware of the major reasons that hinder your metabolism, don’t ever repeat them. Trust me, once you are addicted to a good lifestyle, you wouldn’t trade the whole world to go back to your previous style of living. Plus, it is not much effort also, but it will definitely make a big difference when it comes to achieving your goals, especially when it is about boosting metabolism.