Are you trying to lose weight, but your efforts seem to be in vain? Have you hit a fitness plateau? If so, it’s time to reassess your diet and lifestyle habits. Simple things, such as skipping breakfast, sleeping too little, and eating too much, can ruin your workouts. Over time, these habits can increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. You’ll never manage to lose weight or build muscle without a balanced lifestyle.
Here are some bad habits that are crushing your fitness goals:
Poor Sleep
Lack of sleep leads to weight gain, increased hunger, and sluggish metabolism. It also drains your energy, so you won’t be able to get the most out of your workouts. When you don’t sleep enough, your body produces the stress-hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels slow down your metabolism, cause inflammation, and increase obesity risk.
Skipping Breakfast
Most people who are fit and healthy eat breakfast every morning. The first meal of the day regulates blood sugar levels and keeps hunger at bay. It also gives you the energy needed for an intense workout. If you can’t eat in the morning, at least drink a protein shake or have a snack.
Eating Too Much
As you age, you need fewer calories. If you keep eating like a teenager, you’ll eventually gain weight. Even the healthiest foods can make you fat when consumed in large amounts. Eating clean is not enough; you also need to watch your calorie intake and portions.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Proper hydration is the key to a better workout. Not drinking enough water can decrease your overall performance, leading to fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, migraines, joint pain, and poor recovery. Water aids in post or pre-workout digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and regulates your body temperature. Don’t wait to be thirsty to drink, especially when you’re working out.
