7. Not eating enough protein throughout the day.
Getting enough protein is an important part of boosting your metabolic health. According to a study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism, consuming a high-protein diet is directly correlated to better overall metabolism.
Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, founder of Nutrition Starring You adds that it’s not only how much protein you eat, but when you eat it that matters. “Most of us consume enough total protein but we don’t properly divide it between our meals and snacks to maximize our muscle growth and repair,” says Pincus.
She recommends setting a specific goal of protein for every meal to make sure you get enough throughout the day. “You’ll want to go for a minimum of about 20 to 25 grams of protein (3 to 4 ounces) per meal, especially during breakfast,” says Pincus.
8. Skipping breakfast.
It can be tempting to wake up in the morning and skip breakfast. Maybe you are super busy and forget to have food with your coffee, or perhaps you are trying to cut calories so you decide to avoid the first meal of the day. Whatever the reason for skipping, you may want to reconsider!
“Think of your metabolism like a fire; for it to burn, you have to light it,” says Goodson, “and breakfast does just that.”
If you’re someone who struggles to “start this fire” in the morning, try changing up your breakfast routine so you can fit in a balanced meal.
“The goal is to start your fire, or metabolism, with a nutrient-rich breakfast of fiber, protein, and healthy fat,” says Goodson. “That could include things like eggs with veggies, oatmeal with peanut butter, Greek yogurt with berries, or a breakfast wrap on a whole-grain tortilla with egg, cheese, lean protein (veggies are a plus), and a side of fruit.”