When you’re following a medical weight loss plan, you know that burning more energy (calories) than you consume is the key to losing weight. To that end, you want to keep your metabolism running along smoothly so that fat store are used. If weight loss is sluggish or stalls out, it could be because your metabolism has slowed down.

We should schedule an appointment to discuss your particular difficulties, but in the meantime remember to avoid these six habits. They can slow down your metabolism and complicate a medical weight loss plan.

Breakfast blunders. Skipping breakfast can cause your body to go into energy conservation mode, meaning it doesn’t want to burn calories and let go of fat stores. On the other hand, eating the wrong breakfast (something full of empty calories, like sugar) will set you up for an energy crash mid-morning. Make sure you’re pairing protein with complex carbs and a little bit of healthy fats first thing in the morning.

Not meeting your protein quota. Protein is digested more slowly, requiring more energy and keeping your blood sugar levels even. If you’re not eating enough protein at each meal, you might “crash” and feel exhausted.

You’re not strength training. You don’t need to become a professional bodybuilder, but you should be aiming to change your body composition to include more muscle mass. Muscle burns more energy all the time, even at rest, so adding muscle to your frame will boost your metabolism.

You’re not drinking enough water. Drinking water throughout the day keeps your digestive system moving, boosting metabolism. Make sure you’re sipping water from a refillable bottle throughout the day.

Not sleeping enough, or sleeping poorly. Inadequate sleep throws your body into “survival mode”, and hormones that control fat storage shift. If you aren’t getting eight hours of quality sleep each night, a slowed metabolism could be the result.

You’re stressing out. Granted, this one isn’t always within your control. But because stress also affects your hormone levels, do your best to address stress and reduce it.

Do any of these habits sound familiar? Give us a call, and we’ll make an appointment to discuss your medical weight loss plan in more detail. Together we can troubleshoot your challenges and make a plan to overcome them.