Mornings are the best time to start a new routine and become the very best version of yourself. However, if you’re someone who’s trying to lose weight, some of your morning habits may be derailing your progress.
Here are some of the worst morning habits for weight loss that you should avoid.
Sleeping In
Your body’s metabolism runs 24/7 even when you’re asleep, but of course, it slows down. When you sleep in and miss breakfast, you miss a chance to kickstart your metabolism and increase your energy levels.
Sleeping in also disrupts your body’s natural waking and sleeping cycle. Studies have shown that an irregular sleep pattern contributes to gaining weight. So, if you want to lose weight, avoid sleeping in late.
Sipping on Your Favourite Morning Beverage
After a good night’s rest, the first thing most people reach for in the morning is a cup of coffee or tea, which may seem harmless. However, if you’re trying to lose weight, this could be one of your worst morning habits.
These beverages might make you feel energized, but they also dehydrate you. When you’re dehydrated, your body retains water, making it seem like you’re gaining weight. Additionally, the sugar and cream you add to your coffee or tea can increase your calorie intake. Try starting your day with a glass of water instead.
Salty Breakfasts
A high salt diet has been linked to high blood pressure and weight gain.
By starting your day with a salty breakfast like bagels or muffins, you’re consuming a high sodium meal that will increase your cravings and appetite before the day even gets started. Instead, try to opt for a protein-rich breakfast such as eggs or Greek yogurt, which can keep you feeling full throughout the day.
Skip Breakfast
Skip breakfast in the hopes that it will help shed a few pounds? Think again. Skipping breakfast is one of the worst morning habits for weight loss. Skipping breakfast can slow your metabolism down and make it harder for you to lose weight.
When you skip breakfast, you are also more likely to overeat later in the day. Eating breakfast doesn’t mean that you’re ruining your diet plan. On the contrary, eating a healthy breakfast can help control hunger and weight.
Not Exercising
If you want to lose weight, you need to burn calories. Exercise is a great way to burn off calories as well as tone muscles and improve your fitness levels. Not exercising in the morning can lead to decreased levels of energy and decreased metabolism.
Even a quick exercise like thirty minutes of yoga or a jog around the block can make all the difference. Finding ways to get your body moving in the morning is a crucial step for weight loss.
Heavy Morning Carbs
Heavy carbs (like pastries, muffins, and bagels) are easy and convenient breakfast options, but they’re not good for your weight loss goals. These carbs turn into sugar, increasing your insulin levels, which can lead to weight gain over time.
They also contain a lot of empty calories, which don’t provide any real nutrition. Try swapping your heavy carb breakfast with something like a smoothie, oatmeal, or a vegetable omelet for a better weight loss option.
Not Preparing Your Meals in Advance
Not having your meals planned out and prepared in advance can make it harder for you to stick to your healthy eating goals. With a packed schedule, people often turn to quick and easy foods that aren’t always healthy.
Preparing your meals in advance and watching your calorie intake can help keep you on track.
Drinking Sugary Beverages
Drinking sugary beverages like soda or juice in the morning instead of breakfast is a terrible habit for weight loss.
These drinks are loaded with calories and sugar, which can increase your blood sugar levels and leave you feeling hungry within an hour of drinking. So instead of reaching for a sugary drink, stick to water or an unsweetened beverage. If you’re a fan of juice, try to make it at home with fresh fruits and vegetables so that you know exactly what’s in it.
Eating Too Fast
Mindful eating is an essential practice for weight loss, especially in the morning. Eating too fast sends the wrong signals to your brain which can lead to overeating later on.
In the morning, try to eat slowly, savoring each bite, and enjoying the flavors. This practice can help control your appetite and keep you from overeating at mealtime. Take time to breathe between bites and chew your food slowly to avoid weight gain.
Not Sticking to a Schedule
Your body thrives on routine, and so does your weight loss. Not having a schedule and sticking to it can lead to weight gain. When you lean into your body’s natural cycle of waking and sleeping, you can optimize your metabolism and digestion.
Having a routine, like waking up at the same time every day, exercising, eating breakfast, and preparing for your day, can help you keep things in balance and avoid weight gain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your morning habits can either make or break your weight loss journey. A healthy morning routine should consist of waking up on time, having a healthy breakfast, exercising, and sticking to a schedule.
Avoid skipping breakfast, eating heavy morning carbs, drinking sugary beverages, and not preparing your meals in advance. If you’re consistent in your healthy morning routine, you’ll feel more energized, motivated, and you’ll lose weight naturally.