5. Skipping your post-workout snack.
“To lose weight, some people will think, ‘I don’t need to eat a post-workout snack,’ but what happens next is no good,” says Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD. “Typically, they will feel extra hungry in the hours to follow and often overeat (especially carbohydrates). So, not only did they miss their optimal recovery nutrition window, but now they have put themselves on a blood sugar roller coaster, which can have negative effects on metabolism.”
If you remember from earlier in our article, it’s best to avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes when you can, because experiencing this consistently can wreak havoc on your metabolism. To avoid this, eat a post-workout snack like a protein bar or shake, cottage cheese with berries, or a slice of whole-grain toast with avocado and a hard-boiled egg.
6. Drinking too much alcohol.
When you consume alcohol, your body prioritizes the breakdown of alcohol over the other nutrients you’ve consumed. “This may lead to increased fat storage and reduced fat burning,” says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN.
Sabat agrees, saying it’s important not to consume too much alcohol when you want to improve your metabolic health.
“Excessive alcohol intake can slow metabolism because your body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over burning fat and calories,” says Sabat, “and additionally, alcohol can lead to increased appetite and poor food choices.”