As you renovate your lifestyle and pursue a healthier way of life, you might become concerned that you simply can’t burn enough calories. While it’s normal for metabolism to slow a bit after about age forty, sometimes this happens due to one of the following mistakes.

Breakfast blunders. You’ve heard the saying, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. It’s true that eating breakfast gives you energy and revs up your metabolism. But what you eat is just as important as whether you eat. If you’re grabbing simple carbs in the morning, like a donut or danish, you’re setting yourself up for a quick energy spike and then crash just a few hours later. This will lead to cravings for yet more sugary treats, cause your metabolism to slow, and potentially sabotage your weight loss plan.

Forgetting protein. Eating protein in the morning will keep your blood sugar levels (and your metabolism) more even all day. Include eggs, lean meat, or vegan sources of protein in your daily breakfast to reap this benefit.

Neglecting healthy sleep habits. Not only will unhealthy sleep lead to a lack of energy and disrupt your exercise routine; it will also cause an imbalance in the hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. Make sure to get 8 hours of sleep each night, by keeping a regular schedule and avoiding screen time before bed.

Sitting all day. Yes, some of us can’t help it, due to the nature of our jobs. If your job is a sedentary one, set an alarm to remind yourself to get up and walk around periodically. Consider, also, using a standing desk for at least part of the day.

Overlooking the importance of hydration. Your body needs water to fuel digestion and metabolism, and will slow metabolism when you’re dehydrated. So make sure to sip water regularly throughout the day.

Getting too stressed out. A bit of stress is sometimes unavoidable. But if you’re consistently stressed, your hormones and metabolism will be disrupted. As you continue on your weight loss plan and healthy lifestyle renovation, make sure to address your stress levels. Mental health really is tied very strongly to physical health, and an holistic approach will help you reach your goals.

Forgetting to include strength training in your regimen. Strength training is a vital part of any weight loss plan, because building muscle tissue will boost your metabolism. If you haven’t gotten started with strength training, let’s talk about that at your next appointment. We will help you identify safe forms of exercise and explain how this one simple addition to your routine will make a big difference in your results.