False habits you think are healthy but slow down your metabolism
As you may have noticed, some people, even if they overeat, hardly gain any weight!
On the other hand, other people, even when they try hard and control their diet, fail to maintain their ideal healthy weight.
In this article, we’ll look at five of the habits that slow down metabolism.
Metabolism: a quick reminder
As a reminder, the term metabolism encompasses all the chemical processes that take place in our bodies to keep us alive and keep our bodies running smoothly.
When people describe their metabolism as fast or slow, they’re usually referring to the efficiency with which the body can convert calories obtained from food into energy reserves.
According to specialists, it’s not just genetics that cause weight gain. Daily habits also have a direct impact on metabolism. And while genetics play an important role in determining metabolic rate, having a subtle lifestyle in terms of both diet and exercise, greatly influences the body’s ability to digest food and maintain a healthy weight.
So, if you thought you were eating a healthy diet and you continue to feel tired, have trouble sleeping or fail to maintain a healthy weight, it’s likely that the problem lies with habits that slow down your metabolism and that you mistakenly believe are healthy.
So check these habits first, before looking for another cause that’s sabotaging your weight loss efforts.
Eating a high-sugar breakfast
Granola, that mix of oats, almonds and honey, might be perceived as a healthy breakfast, but that’s not always the case.
Many granolas on the market aren’t really healthy, even though the label says they’re made with honey and contain no quick sugar. However, this honey has been pasteurized and is therefore no better than high-fructose syrup.
The solution to this metabolism-slowing habit is to make your own sprouted granola at home.
You could take advantage of the weekend to prepare your week’s supply. Soak raw almonds, cashews and chia seeds in water overnight. Then dry them with a paper towel. Mix with raw honey, coconut flakes and cinnamon, then roast in the oven.
And voila, you’ve got a delicious breakfast that will boost your metabolism naturally.
Not getting enough sleep
Metabolism doesn’t depend on food alone. The amount and quality of sleep you get can significantly affect your weight.
Poor sleep causes the body to preserve its reserves. As a result, it will spend less energy on the biochemical functions it deems less important.
This automatically slows down your metabolism.
The solution is to get enough sleep, both in terms of duration and quality. Getting rid of a few habits can help you make the most of your night’s sleep, and enable your body to function properly and burn calories normally.
Eating too many whole grains
Whole grains are a great source of fiber and essential nutrients, but not all grains are easy to digest.
Whole grains aren’t necessarily bad if you eat them gluten-free and in moderation.
The problem with gluten-containing grains is that they tend to be difficult to digest, even for non-celiacs.
People suffering from non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) number in the millions worldwide. Gluten intolerance or celiac disease is one of today’s most common digestive diseases. It generally manifests itself through symptoms such as intestinal problems, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. These symptoms appear after consuming gluten, and disappear as soon as it is removed from the diet.
Gluten intolerance is a consequence of the modern agricultural system, which produces genetically modified and highly processed foods.
As a result, the human body finds it difficult to tolerate and metabolize this new form of food.
It is therefore advisable to limit consumption.
Limit yourself to cardio exercise
Many people, in their quest to keep fit or lose weight, train regularly. However, limiting yourself to a single exercise is a training mistake that should be avoided at all costs.
Cardio training in particular can slow down the metabolism rather than speed it up.
The aim of all exercise is to preserve and strengthen muscle mass in order to burn fat naturally.
But not all exercises have the same effect on the body.
Instead of limiting yourself to cardio exercise alone, it’s better to alternate by practicing HIIT. These short, high-intensity exercises have been described by science as the most effective way to burn fat.
Another advantage attributed to this type of exercise is its post-training effect. In other words, their effect lasts even after you’ve finished your workout.
Consume only fruit juices
When it comes to weight loss, hydration is an obligation and a necessary condition for maintaining the body’s proper functioning.
However, you need to hydrate with the right beverage.
The problem with fruit juices is that they’re basically liquid sugar. And as you probably know, excess sugar slows down the metabolism, producing a spike in blood sugar levels.
Commercial juices are worse. Their manufacturing process and pasteurization eliminate all the benefits of natural juice. Their high sugar and additive content makes matters worse.
The ideal solution is to eat whole fruit in its natural state. They have a higher nutritional value than juice.
These are just some of the habits considered healthy, but which actually slow down your metabolism and prevent you from losing weight.
