Metabolism is the engine that keeps our body running. It includes all the chemical reactions in our body which keep us alive and functioning. Metabolism is basically the process of turning food into energy. Metabolism is the number of calories your body burns. The higher the metabolic rate, the higher would be the number of calories we burn, thus making it easier to lose weight and keep it that way.
The last thing you want to do to your body is slowing down the process of burning calories. Here are some lifestyle habits that can slow down your metabolism and you won’t even know:
Lack of Sleep
A good sleeping pattern is extremely healthy to promote good health. Sleeping for less than required can up the risk of developing diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes and depression. It also lowers the metabolic rate and increases your chances of gaining weight. Lack of sleep can lead to less energy, meaning the body uses fewer calories throughout the day.
Also read: 5 Natural Ways to Treat Insomnia that will Help you Sleep Better
Missing Out on Coffee
Just like food, beverages can affect your metabolism. Several studies have shown that coffee can cause a significant increase in your metabolism – the reason being that coffee speeds up the heart rate which can boost your metabolism. So missing out on coffee can slow down your metabolism by a great proportion.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Every process of your body relies on water, so not drinking enough water can decrease metabolism and can make you feel tired. This can make you feel dehydrated and you would have no energy left in your body. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that drinking 1 litre of water can increase the metabolic rate by 35% (approximately).
Crash Dieting
Losing weight if you are overweight or obese is vital to stay healthy, but the way you lose weight matters a lot. Going for a crash diet does not provide the body with the appropriate nutrients it requires, thereby slowing down your metabolism. Strict diets can lead to the production of fewer calories, which makes it harder to get rid of the excess calories.
Also read: Harmful effects of crash dieting you were not aware of
Sitting for Too Long
Do you spend most of your time sitting down on the couch, in your office or in the car while driving? When we sit for long hours, our metabolism does not function properly as much as it should. According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. It can also increase the risk of developing heart diseases, diabetes and other health problems.
The best way to trigger the breakdown of fats and sugars is by looking for ways to walk around in your office. Get as much of physical activity as you can, for example, by walking after every 1 hour for a few minutes to slow down your metabolism.
Not Enough Physical Exercise
The body needs the energy to carry out tasks such as breathing and blood circulation. Along with a consistency of a good meal, you need to do physical activity on a daily basis to make sure that your metabolism never slows down. Morning is the best time to exercise to get maximum calorie burn and other health benefits.
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