15 Mistakes You’re Making in the Morning That Slow Down Your Metabolism
This post may contain affiliate links.
Kickstart your day with energy and set yourself up for success by avoiding some common morning mistakes that could be slowing your metabolism. Your morning routine plays a crucial role in how efficiently your body burns calories throughout the day. Whether trying to shed a few pounds or simply want to feel more energized, steering clear of these morning habits is key to keeping your metabolism in top gear. Here are 15 common missteps that could slow down your metabolism.
You Ate Breakfast Too Late
Skipping breakfast might seem like a good way to cut calories, but it can actually slow your metabolism and increase your risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Eating a healthy breakfast helps keep your metabolism running smoothly throughout the day.
You Didn’t Start Your Day with Water
Instead of reaching for coffee first thing in the morning, try starting your day with two cups of water. Drinking water right after waking up replenishes your body’s fluids after sleep and can boost your metabolism. Clients who adopt this habit often report feeling less bloated, more energized, and less hungry.
You Ordered the Wrong Coffee
The best times to drink coffee are mid-morning and mid-afternoon when cortisol levels are lower. But be mindful of what you put in your coffee—too much sugar, cream, or syrup can turn your drink into a high-calorie dessert that works against your metabolism.
18 Unique Ways to Put Coffee Filters to Good Use
You Grabbed a Smoothie for Breakfast
Busy mornings can make it tempting to grab a smoothie on the go, but many store-bought smoothies are loaded with sugar, ice cream, and syrup. These calorie-dense drinks can slow down your metabolism. Instead, make your own healthy smoothies at home to control the ingredients.
28 Smoothie Bowls That Taste Like Pure Dessert for Breakfast
You Skipped the Protein
Including protein in your breakfast is crucial for boosting your metabolism. Protein helps increase your calorie burn after meals and builds muscle, which in turn helps your body burn more calories even at rest.
Related: 20 Keto Recipes to Add to Your Breakfast Menu
You Chose Refined Carbs
If you’re reaching for white bread in the morning, you’re missing out on the benefits of complex carbs that keep you fuller longer and help speed up your metabolism. Opt for whole-grain or sprouted bread instead.
You Added Sea Salt to Your Eggs
While seasoning your eggs with sea salt might enhance the flavor, you’re missing out on iodine, a key nutrient that supports thyroid function and metabolism. Swap sea salt for iodized salt to ensure you’re getting enough iodine.
From Poached to Sunny Side Up: All the Delicious Ways to Make an Egg
You Hit Snooze on Your Workout
Skipping your morning workout can mean missing out on a metabolism boost. Short bursts of intense exercise, like cycling, can burn extra calories and keep your metabolism elevated all day long.
You Let Stress Get to You
Experiencing stress, like road rage, can trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that promotes fat storage. Managing stress through deep breathing or physical activity can help keep your metabolism on track.
Having a Sedentary Lifestyle
Living a sedentary lifestyle can significantly reduce the number of calories your body burns daily, which can be detrimental to your metabolism and overall health. Many people spend the majority of their day sitting, especially at work, and this lack of movement can slow down their metabolic rate. making small adjustments like working at a standing desk or taking frequent breaks to walk around can help.
You Woke Up Too Early
Getting up too early can wreak havoc on your metabolism. A lack of sleep can lead to burning fewer calories, poor appetite control, and elevated cortisol levels—a hormone that encourages fat storage.
You Stayed Up Too Late
Staying up too late can equally wreak havoc on your metabolism. A lack of sleep can lead to burning fewer calories, poor appetite control, and elevated cortisol levels—a hormone that encourages fat storage.
You Didn’t Pack Your Lunch
Leaving your lunch to chance can lead to poor food choices that slow down your metabolism. Packing a lunch rich in whole grains, healthy fats, fiber-filled veggies, and protein can keep you satisfied and your metabolism running efficiently.
You Skipped the Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great addition to your breakfast routine, thanks to its probiotics and high calcium content, both of which can aid in weight loss and support metabolism.
How to Make Homemade Yogurt in an Instant Pot
Your Room Was Too Warm
Sleeping in a cooler room can help increase brown adipose cells, a type of fat that burns calories rather than storing them. Lowering your thermostat at night could help rev up your metabolism.
You Forgot a Nutty Snack
Incorporating nuts, especially Brazil nuts and walnuts, into your snack routine can boost your metabolism. Nuts contain selenium and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which support thyroid function and activate fat-burning genes.
15 Granola Recipes for a Perfectly Crunchy Snack
16 Coffee Recipes to Kickstart Your Day
From lattes to cold brews, here are 16 fantastic coffee recipes that are easy to make. You’ll be making your favorite specialty drinks in no time.
16 Coffee Recipes to Kickstart Your Day
16 Mason Jar Salad Ideas for Effortless Lunches
From a Greek-style salad for a quick lunch to a Berry Orzo Salad perfect for meal prep., there’s a mason jar meal for every palate. Here are 16 delightful recipes you are going to love.
16 Mason Jar Salad Ideas for Effortless Lunches
21 Herbal Tea Recipes to Boost Your Mornings
Here are 21 herbal tea recipes that will take your morning to the next level.
