3. Crash dietiting.
We know how easy it can be to fall prey to the allure of crash diets, especially as the pressure to lose weight quickly is all around us. However, crash dieting is never healthy, and it can actually mess with your metabolism.
“Extreme calorie restriction and crash diets can slow down your metabolism as your body adapts to the reduced calorie intake by conserving energy,” says Sabat. “This adaptation often results in muscle loss, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight once normal eating resumes.”
Sabat emphasizes a slow integration of better eating habits, saying “Adapting a lifestyle change over time, rather than a quick and radical change in eating habits, will result in long-term health and weight control.”
4. Eating a diet low in vitamins and minerals.
Eating mostly processed foods and not getting enough fruits and vegetables can result in you not getting adequate levels of important vitamins and minerals, something Sabat says may harm your metabolic health.
“Eating a diet low in vitamins and minerals can disrupt metabolism because these micronutrients play vital roles in various metabolic processes. For instance, vitamins and minerals are essential cofactors for enzymes involved in energy production, nutrient metabolism, and hormone regulation,” says Sabat. “When your body lacks these essential nutrients, it can struggle to efficiently convert food into energy, regulate appetite, and maintain proper metabolic balance, potentially leading to a slower metabolism and various metabolic disorders.”
The solution? Sabat says “Giving your body a well-balanced, colorful diet will ensure that the requirements for vitamins and minerals can be met and avoid metabolism disruptions.”