Metabolism is the process by which your body breaks down food and transforms it into energy. The rate at which your body burns calories depends on several factors, including your age, sex, weight, and activity level.

However, some common habits can undermine your metabolism and make it harder for you to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Here are five habits that can sabotage your metabolism:.

1. Skipping Meals

Skipping meals, especially breakfast, can be detrimental to your metabolism. When you skip a meal, your body goes into a survival mode and slows down its metabolism to conserve energy.

This means that your body burns fewer calories, making it harder for you to lose weight. Moreover, when you skip a meal, you are more likely to overeat at your next meal, leading to weight gain and a slower metabolism.

2. Not Drinking Enough Water

Water is essential for many bodily functions, including metabolism. Without enough water, your body cannot burn calories efficiently. Moreover, dehydration can lead to fatigue and slower metabolism.

Drinking enough water can boost your metabolism, improve digestion, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Experts recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water a day.

3. Eating Too Few Calories

While it is true that eating fewer calories can lead to weight loss, eating too few calories can harm your metabolism. When you eat too few calories, your body goes into a starvation mode and slows down its metabolism to conserve energy.

This means that your body burns fewer calories, making it harder for you to lose weight. Moreover, when you eat too few calories, you are more likely to lose muscle mass, which can further slow down your metabolism.

4. Not Getting Enough Protein

Protein is essential for many bodily functions, including metabolism. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues, including muscles. When you don’t get enough protein, your body may lose muscle mass, which can lead to a slower metabolism.

Moreover, protein can help you feel full and satisfied, reducing your appetite and helping you maintain a healthy weight. Experts recommend that adults consume at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

5. Sitting For Extended Periods

Sitting for extended periods, such as at a desk job, can harm your metabolism. When you sit for long periods, your body burns fewer calories, and your muscles can begin to atrophy.

Moreover, sitting for long periods can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism. To counteract the negative effects of sitting, experts recommend getting up and moving around for at least five minutes every hour.

Conclusion

Metabolism plays a crucial role in our overall health and weight management. By avoiding these common habits that can sabotage your metabolism, you can improve your health, boost your metabolism, and maintain a healthy weight.